France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Monday cautioned against uncontrolled military escalation in the Near and Middle East amid rising tensions following US and Israeli strikes against Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliatory attacks.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, Barrot emphasized the need for restraint in the region, highlighting the potential global implications of further escalation.
“Uncontrolled military escalation is dangerous in the Near and Middle East. It must not divert us from Ukraine, where for four years the security and peace of the European continent have been at stake, in a context marked by the growing international isolation of Russia,” he said.
Barrot underlined France’s continued commitment to supporting in its conflict with Russia. He reaffirmed the French government’s “great determination and resolve” to back Kyiv while maintaining pressure on Moscow through diplomatic and economic measures.
In addition, Barrot announced a new round of designations and sanctions targeting individuals deemed responsible for war crimes in Ukraine. The measures include nine new designations related to the March 2022 massacre in Bucha and four additional sanctions against Kremlin propagandists. These steps underscore France’s ongoing effort to hold perpetrators accountable and to reinforce international law in the face of aggression.
The warning comes amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East. On February 28, Israel and the United States carried out joint military strikes against Iran, reportedly killing around 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Tehran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. These attacks have raised fears of a wider regional conflict and disrupted maritime and energy routes, including the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.
Barrot highlighted that while attention is necessary in the Middle East, Europe must not lose focus on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He stressed that stability in both regions is essential to safeguard international security and the interests of European nations.
“Europe must maintain a clear and independent voice, emphasizing diplomacy and dialogue rather than escalation,” Barrot said. He urged EU member states to balance engagement on the Middle East crisis with continued efforts to support Ukraine and uphold international law.
France’s foreign minister also warned that the conflict in the Middle East risks diverting international attention and resources away from Ukraine, potentially undermining the security of the European continent. He stressed the importance of addressing multiple geopolitical challenges simultaneously without compromising commitments in either region.
The ongoing US-Israeli strikes and Iran’s retaliatory actions have already caused civilian casualties, infrastructure damage, and heightened concerns about global energy security, given the region’s role in oil and gas exports. European countries, including France, are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation and to mitigate economic and humanitarian consequences.
Barrot’s comments came alongside broader discussions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council regarding international security, sanctions, and the strategic coordination of responses to crises in both Eastern Europe and the Middle East. France continues to advocate for multilateral approaches, calling for measured, law-based responses that reduce the risk of war while supporting allies under threat.
In summary, France has called for restraint in the Middle East while reaffirming its strong support for Ukraine. The government has expanded sanctions against individuals involved in the Bucha massacre and Kremlin propagandists, signaling France’s commitment to upholding international law. Meanwhile, the Middle East remains highly volatile, with Iranian retaliatory strikes escalating tensions across Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US forces.
Barrot concluded by emphasizing that Europe must act with an independent, principled voice, ensuring that efforts to maintain stability in one region do not compromise security and humanitarian obligations elsewhere.
The statements by the French foreign minister underscore the growing challenges Europe faces in balancing responses to multiple global crises while protecting both regional and international security.
