French President Emmanuel Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that they are “cooperating” against Iran’s “destabilizing” activities in the Middle East. They also want to create a front against Tehran’s “support” of Russia in its offensive against Ukraine.
Macron and Netanyahu met yesterday in Paris. The French president sharply criticized Iran’s progress in its nuclear program during the lunch. He warned Iran that there would be “consequences” if Iran continued on this trajectory, the press release said.
Iran has begun enriching uranium to 60 percent, well above the 3.67 percent threshold set in the 2015 nuclear deal. A nuclear bomb requires 90 percent enriched uranium. Iran has also threatened to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which limits its possession, and bar IAEA inspectors from visiting its nuclear facilities.
Israel accuses Iran of pursuing military targets with its nuclear program. Tehran is also accused of destabilizing countries in the region – from Lebanon to Yemen – by supporting local armed groups.
Macron emphasized that Russia’s aid to Iran further isolates Tehran. According to Ukraine and its Western allies, Russia is bombing Ukraine with Iranian strike drones. On Wednesday, Netanyahu announced that he is ready to consider supplying weapons to Ukraine. For now, Israel remains neutral.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Paris is his first outside the Middle East since returning to power in December. The visit is taking place against the background of rising tensions in the Middle East.
Macron also expressed solidarity with Israel after a recent attack by Palestinian militants. At the same time, he confirmed the strong opposition of the French government to the construction of settlements by Israeli settlers. He also emphasized that Paris maintains the historical status quo regarding the Holy Place in Jerusalem.
Source : HLN