France: US-Israel attack on Iran needed prior UN debate to be legitimate

2026-03-02 - 10:33

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot issued a pointed critique Monday of the joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran, stating that such use of force "deserved a debate" within established international bodies before being launched. "The veto wielded by certain permanent members of the United Nations Security Council has paralyzed collective action, even when the use of force would have been necessary to uphold the law," Barrot told a news briefing, adding that military intervention can only acquire "necessary legitimacy" through Security Council engagement. Call for De-escalation Barrot described the failure to resolve the situation through international institutions as "deeply regrettable," emphasizing that these frameworks alone can "lay the foundations for lasting peace and stability." He urged all parties to cease military operations "as quickly as possible," warning that "the indefinite continuation of military operations without a clear purpose carries the risk of a spiral that would draw Iran and the region into a prolonged period of instability." The French minister noted such an outcome would harm European interests and produce highly uncertain results. Support for Regional Partners While criticizing the attack's lack of multilateral approval, Barrot expressed France's solidarity with regional countries affected by Iranian retaliatory strikes. "We stand ready to assist in their defense upon request, in a proportionate manner and in accordance with the principle of collective self-defense under international law," he stated. The minister confirmed no French casualties have been reported among the approximately 400,000 French nationals in the region, noting that French forces are organized locally to facilitate departures where possible. The comments come as Iran has refused Omani mediation efforts to resume diplomacy following the strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.