UNGA - Meeting between Jean-Noel Barrot, minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and his Iranian counterpart

Mr Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, had a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Mr Abbas Araghchi, in New York today, 22 September 2026, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

 The two ministers discussed the regional situation. The Minister called on his counterpart to re-commit to the path of diplomacy and reiterated France’s readiness to help find a diplomatic solution, the only one capable of resolving the ongoing conflict and addressing the concerns raised in particular by the Iranian nuclear programme.

 The Minister recalled the priority of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the blocking of which poses a serious threat to regional stability, as well as to global energy and food security. He also recalled France’s unwavering commitment to respect for international law, freedom of navigation and maritime security.

 On the bilateral front, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs talked to his counterpart about the unacceptable attacks on our staff and our diplomatic presence in Tehran. He reiterated France’s condemnation of the Iranian security forces’ intrusion into the French Language Centre and the Iranian authorities’ decision to close it down. He reaffirmed the absolute need to guarantee the safety of diplomatic staff and French facilities in Iran.

Photo :  Judith Litvine/MEAE