With US President Joe Biden seeking to row back on his predecessor Donald Trump’s withdrawal from a 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Israeli officials have explicitly stated that the European powers must enforce a hard policy on Iran.
This implies that Lapid’s visit to France, his first overseas visit since becoming caretaker premier last week, was a chance for him to influence Europeans on that front.
After a cordial embrace at the Elysee presidential palace, Lapid remarked, “Back in 2018, you were the first international leader to talk about the necessity for a new deal with Iran.” Lapid responded, “The current situation cannot continue as it is,” and added, “You were right then, and you are much more correct today.” There will be a nuclear weapons race in the Middle East, which will endanger global stability.
Macron praised Lapid, but he didn’t bring up Lapid’s statements from 2018, which were made while Europeans were attempting to convince Trump not to take the U.S out of the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal.
Macron stated, “I would want to remind you once again of our willingness for the JCPOA.”
I am more certain than ever that Iran might carry out its actions to develop the strategic assets, and we agree with Israel that this deal will not be enough to curb Iran’s destabilizing activities, he said. However, “we must protect this accord.”
When it comes to the nuclear talks, Israel is staying on the sidelines. However, Western powers remain vigilant and makes implicit threats of preemptive military action if it considers dialogue futile to curb Iran’s strategic desires.
