In a telephone conversation, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi exchanged views on regional developments and the consequences of U.S. and Israeli military aggression against Iran for regional security and the economy, the Iranian Foreign Ministry reported.

The Iranian foreign minister sharply criticized the stance of some European countries that, he said, express concern only over the economic consequences of this imposed war while remaining silent about the aggressors’ brutal attacks on the Iranian people.

He stressed that Iran’s defensive operations in the region are a response to the United States’ use of bases and facilities in regional countries to wage an unlawful war against Iran.

Araghchi added that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed to ships belonging to states involved in military aggression against Iran, a decision taken under international law to prevent aggressors from using the waterway for illegal operations. At the same time, ships from other countries continue to pass through the strait in coordination with the relevant Iranian authorities.

The Iranian foreign minister also warned that any provocative actions by the aggressors and their supporters — including in the UN Security Council — concerning the situation in the Strait of Hormuz would only worsen the situation.

French Foreign Minister Barrot reaffirmed France’s opposition to the war imposed on Iran and to attacks on civilian targets. He also voiced concern over the escalating regional situation, including in Lebanon, and underscored the need to intensify political and diplomatic efforts to end the war and restore stability and security in the region.

The two foreign ministers also discussed several consular matters and emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic engagement between Iran and France at various levels.