France and Germany announced that they expect from Iran to immediately reverse its ballistic missile program and end its “hegemonic temptations” across the Middle East.
Following a meeting between French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his German Counterpart Sigmar Gabriel, the French top diplomat stressed that while Paris and Berlin agreed of the importance to maintain the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iranian nuclear agreement, it was imperative to thwart Iranian aspirations across the Middle East. FM Le Drian said, “We spoke about Iran’s nuclear program, and we agree that we need rigorous implementation and a full respect of commitments taken by all the parties. We are still completely committed to the preservation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which guarantees that the Iranian nuclear program will not be diverted to serve military purposes,” he said. Le Drian further asserted, “We also have a shared view on the necessity for Iran to go back on its ballistic missile program and its hegemonic temptations in regional politics,” the French top diplomat said in a joint press conference with his Germany counterpart, in Paris.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said earlier in the day that Paris should know that Iran’s missile program is not an issue that can be negotiated under any circumstances.