Iran Nuclear Program a Threat to Israel and Europe, Says French FM as Araghchi Calls it a 'Right'
Tehran's nuclear program is a threat for the security of Israel and of Europe and diplomacy is the only way to avoid an escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Sunday.
"The Iranian nuclear program is an existential threat for the security of Israel and beyond the security of Europe. We always said the best way to prevent that threat, to contain it, remains diplomacy," Barrot told RTL radio.
Germany, France and Britain are ready to hold immediate talks with Iran over Tehran's nuclear program in an effort to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said earlier.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that Israel's attack on his country this week sought to "derail" nuclear talks with the United States.
"It is entirely clear that the Israeli regime does not want any agreement on the nuclear issue. It does not want negotiations and does not seek diplomacy," Araghchi told foreign diplomats, saying the attack launched on Friday was an "attempt to undermine diplomacy and derail negotiations".
"We are prepared for any agreement aimed at ensuring Iran does not pursue nuclear weapons," he stated, adding that Tehran would not accept any deal that "deprives Iran of its nuclear rights".
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Arab News
36 minutes ago
- Arab News
A Saudi perspective on security, diplomacy and human dignity
As a Saudi national, I view the Middle East's complex challenges through the lens of my country's commitment to regional stability, Islamic values and Vision 2030's aspirations for sustainable development. The new escalation between Israel and Iran, marked by Israeli airstrikes authorized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscores the urgent need for a balanced approach to security, diplomacy and human dignity. These strikes, ostensibly aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions, risk plunging the region into broader conflict, potentially involving global powers like the US. From a Saudi perspective, fostering sustainable peace requires de-escalation, inclusive dialogue and addressing the root causes of conflict, such as economic disparity and political marginalization. Israel's airstrikes on Iran, justified as a response to Iran's nuclear program reaching 60 percent uranium enrichment, have heightened regional tensions. However, the timing, amid Netanyahu's domestic political struggles and waning support for military operations in Gaza, suggests ulterior motives. Critics argue that these actions may serve to bolster Netanyahu's position, deflecting attention from his legal and political challenges. As a Saudi observer, I see this as a risky gambit that could accelerate Iran's nuclear ambitions rather than deter them, threatening the entire region's stability. Saudi Arabia, alongside other Gulf Cooperation Council nations, has condemned these airstrikes as a violation of Iran's sovereignty and international law. This stance reflects our commitment to regional stability and opposition to actions that undermine mutual respect among nations. The Kingdom's condemnation is not merely rhetorical; it signals a broader call for de-escalation and dialogue to prevent a wider conflict that could destabilize the Middle East and impact global energy markets, a critical concern for Saudi Arabia. Western policies, particularly those of the US, have often prioritized geopolitical dominance over sustainable peacebuilding. The US-Israel relationship, shaped partly by the influential Israel lobby, as described by scholars John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt, has aligned American foreign policy with Israel's immediate security concerns. While this partnership has strengthened bilateral ties, it has sometimes overlooked the long-term consequences for regional stability. The US-led invasion of Iraq, for instance, destabilized the region, weakened Arab states and fueled populism and extremism challenges that persist today. From a Saudi perspective, the fragility of many Arab states, compounded by ineffective leadership and rising nationalism, underscores the need for a strategic pivot. The US cannot sustain flawed policies indefinitely, as the human and economic costs of interventions like Iraq demonstrate. Saudi Arabia welcomes recent US restraint, with figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing that American priorities lie in protecting its forces rather than endorsing Israel's strikes on Iran. This shift opens space for diplomacy, which Saudi Arabia is well positioned to champion. Saudi Arabia holds a unique position in the Middle East, rooted in its religious significance as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and its foreign policy being aimed at fostering stability. The Kingdom's Vision 2030 emphasizes sustainable development and economic diversification, aligning with the broader goal of regional cooperation. In the context of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands, Saudi Arabia has advocated for the Arab Peace Initiative, which offers normalization with Israel in exchange for a two-state solution. This framework reflects our commitment to balancing security with justice and addressing Palestinian aspirations, while fostering regional collaboration. Two peace frameworks merit consideration: the two-state solution and the two-return solution. The two-state solution envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, promoting mutual recognition and security cooperation. The two-return solution, meanwhile, addresses historical grievances by proposing compensation and recognition of both Palestinian and Jewish narratives to facilitate reconciliation. Fostering sustainable peace requires de-escalation, inclusive dialogue and addressing the root causes of conflict. Dr. Turki Faisal Al-Rasheed Both approaches face challenges from Israeli settlement expansion, Palestinian governance fragmentation and skepticism about Israel's commitment to peace, but Saudi Arabia's mediation can bridge divides. By promoting adherence to international law and partnering with global stakeholders, the Kingdom can advance a comprehensive approach that integrates humanitarian and economic considerations. Israel's current policies under Netanyahu, including its operations in Gaza and efforts to neutralize Iran's nuclear capabilities, prioritize immediate security but risk long-term consequences. The pursuit of 'total victory' in Gaza and aggressive posturing toward Iran may isolate Israel diplomatically, strain its alliances and impact US interests and Jewish communities worldwide. From a Saudi perspective, sustainable security for Israel and the region requires integrating robust defense with diplomacy that tackles conflict drivers like economic inequality and political marginalization. Netanyahu's actions, driven partly by domestic pressures, risk dragging the region into chaos. As a Saudi national, I join global voices opposing leaders who exploit fear to justify escalation. The Kingdom's condemnation of Israel's airstrikes on Iran reflects our broader stance against unilateral actions that undermine sovereignty and stability. Instead, we advocate for dialogue, economic development and countering extremism to create a cooperative framework for the region. The ongoing crisis in Gaza demands urgent attention. The humanitarian toll, marked by significant loss of life and suffering, requires immediate international action focused on de-escalation and relief. Saudi Arabia, in alignment with the other GCC nations, calls for responsible leadership rooted in empathy for both Palestinian and Israeli communities. Breaking cycles of violence hinges on fostering dialogue and trust, addressing not only security concerns but also the human dignity of all stakeholders. Historical conflicts in the region, from Iraq to Syria, highlight the necessity of inclusive partnerships built on mutual respect. Aspirations for peace, echoed by figures like US President Donald Trump, who has positioned himself as a potential peacemaker, depend on balanced collaboration. Saudi Arabia and other Arab states hold strategic leverage to counter foreign interference and extremist threats, aligning with a shared vision of stability and prosperity. The Middle East's future remains uncertain, with the Israel-Iran conflict of 2025 raising more questions than answers. The efficacy of Israel's military actions, the potential for US-Iran negotiations and the political fallout in both nations are yet to be fully understood. What is clear, however, is the need for all stakeholders — Western governments, Israel, Arab states and the international community — to prioritize human dignity and de-escalation. Saudi Arabia's leadership, grounded in its religious and geopolitical influence, seeks to foster dialogue, promote equitable development and reduce external interference. By advocating for frameworks like the Arab Peace Initiative and supporting inclusive peace processes, the Kingdom can help pave the way for a stable and prosperous Middle East. Sustainable peace demands not only strategic restraint but also a shared commitment to cooperation, mutual prosperity and respect for all communities. In conclusion, as a Saudi national, I believe that fostering sustainable peace in the Middle East requires moving beyond military escalation to embrace diplomacy and human dignity. The Kingdom's role as a mediator, coupled with its vision for regional stability, offers hope for a future where dialogue triumphs over conflict and cooperation replaces division. The path forward is challenging, but with collective resolve we can build a Middle East defined by peace and prosperity for all.
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Pakistan closes pedestrian traffic at key Iran border crossings as Israel strikes escalate
QUETTA: Pakistani authorities have closed two major border crossings with Iran for pedestrian traffic amid escalating cross-border strikes between Iran and Israel, officials in the southwestern Balochistan province said on Sunday. The closures affect the Taftan crossing in Chaghi district and the Gabd-Rimdan crossing in Gwadar district, both key routes for cross-border movement and local trade between Balochistan and Iran. The Gabd-Rimdan border crossing is a point on the Iran-Pakistan border, specifically at 'BP-250,' the second crossing along the 900-kilometer border between the two countries. The crossing facilitates trade and people-to-people contact between Iran and Pakistan. 'All kinds of pedestrian movement at the Gabd-Rimdan-250 border have been suspended due to the Iran-Israel conflict,' Jawad Ahmed Zehri, assistant commissioner for Gwadar, told Arab News. Trade activity at the crossing would remain open and Pakistani citizens stranded in Iran would be allowed to return, he said, but no new entries into Iran would be permitted through this point until further notice. In a separate order, authorities also closed the Taftan border crossing in Chaghi district for pedestrian traffic. 'We have closed pedestrian movements at the Taftan border until further notice,' said Naveed Ahmed, assistant commissioner for Taftan, adding that trade and customs operations from the crossing were continuing as usual. The closures are expected to affect daily wage laborers, small-scale traders and local residents who depend on frequent cross-border movement for commerce, supplies and family visits. Small items such as fruit, vegetables and household goods are commonly traded by hand or in small vehicles along these routes. The closures come amid heightened tensions following Israeli strikes on Iranian cities since Friday with scores killed, including senior Iranian military commanders. The bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Iran reached $2.8 billion in the last fiscal year, which ended in June. Both countries have signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of increasing this volume to $10 billion. Iran also supplies about 100 megawatts of electricity to border towns in Balochistan.
Leaders
an hour ago
- Leaders
Britain Could Possibly Support Israel Against Iran: Finance Minister
British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said on Sunday that Britain could potentially support Israel in its war with Iran that started on Friday, June 13, according to Reuters. Reeves noted that Britain's decision to send additional military jets to the Middle East was mainly driven by its intension to protect British bases and personnel. 'We have, in the past, supported Israel when there have been missiles coming in,' she added. Reeves also stated that they are sending in assets to safeguard their interests and support their allies. In 2024, Britain protected Israel from missile attacks from Iran. The British government also shot down Iranian drones heading for Israel in April. Moreover, it indicated that two of its fighter jets and an air-to-air refueling tanker participated in intercepting Iranian missiles in October. On June 13, Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on Iran under the name of Operation Rising Lion. The military campaign targeted Iran's nuclear facilities and killed top military commanders and nuclear scientists. As a response, Iran launched a retaliatory wave of missiles against Israel and targeted Tel Aviv. Israel also killed three more Iranian nuclear scientists, raising the total number of scientists slain to nine, according to Gulf News. Currently, both countries are trading missiles and attacks amid intensifying efforts to halt the conflict. Related Topics: EU Powers Offer Immediate Talks with Iran to De-escalate Tensions Putin, Trump Discuss Iran-Israel Conflict Pakistan Supports Iran, Urges Muslim World to Unite, Defy Israel Short link : Post Views: 11
