Iran Urges France to Interact with Regional States Based on Realities

"The French officials are expected to take better decisions in their interactions with the regional states based on realities," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi was quoted as saying by the Iranian media on Sunday.

He called on the French statesmen to avoid making decisions based on the hostile policies of certain regional countries and the US, stressing, "Given their positions in the region and by proper regulation of their relations, France and Iran can play an effective role and have a share in the establishment of peace and stability in the world, and it is possible."

Qassemi also declared that Le Drian will visit Tehran in early 2018.

His remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron underlined his country's willingness to expand ties with Iran based on the 2015 nuclear deal, stressing that the internationally-endorsed agreement is not changeable.

"France is after constructive dialogue and relations with Iran," Macron said in a meeting with new Iranian Ambassador to Paris Abolqassem Delfi last Monday.

He underlined France's policy of maintenance and implementation of the nuclear deal, and said, "The deal is the basis of our cooperation with Iran and is not changeable."

"France is interested in talks with Iran on the regional developments and is pleased with the good ties between the two countries' ministries," Macron said.

Delfi, for his part, submitted credentials to the French president, and said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes on resolution of the regional issues through talks and is opposed to any foreign imposition and interference."