Iran accuses France of creating instability in the Middle East

Tehran/Paris: – Iran is upset over the purchase deal for Rafale fighter jets between France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Iran accused ‘France is creating instability in the region by selling arms to the Middle Eastern countries. French weapons will cause unrest in the Middle East.’ France and Iran have also clashed over the ongoing nuclear deal in Vienna. France has said that the Iranian proposal regarding the nuclear deal is unacceptable.

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron visited the UAE and Saudi Arabia. During his visit to the UAE, President Macron met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed. This was followed by a deal worth $18 billion between France and the UAE. It is claimed to be the largest defence agreement in the history of France. According to the report, France will supply an advanced version of 80 Rafale F-4s fighter jets to the UAE. An agreement for the purchase of 12 helicopters also is included in the deal.

French Defence Minister Florence Parley said the agreement was important for regional stability. International analysts have claimed that this would add to the UAE’s defence capabilities. Iran has expressed anger over the defence agreement between France and the UAE. Saeed Khatibzadeh, the spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry, criticised France for selling defence equipment to the UAE.

‘The international community should not ignore French role in creating instability in the Middle East. Militarisation of the region will never be tolerated. Weapons sold by France to Arab countries could cause unrest in the region, said Khatibzadeh, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman. Khatibzadeh also attacked the international community. ‘Weapons worth billions of dollars are being sold to Arab countries. But the international community is not worried. But the Iranian missile program is immediately criticised.’ Khatibzadeh said. Iranian missile and nuclear programs are a matter of global concern. Since last week, the United States, European countries, and Iran have held talks in the Austrian capital Vienna regarding the nuclear deal.

Ten days have passed since the discussion started. But it is claimed that the nuclear deal is still unresolved. ‘Iranian proposal to the West, to join the nuclear deal, is not in the interest of all countries participating in the talks. Therefore, this proposal is not acceptable.’ said the French foreign ministry.

Meanwhile, France and the United Kingdom have demanded Iran’s unconditional acceptance of the 2015 nuclear deal. But Iran has reportedly demanded that the United States lift sanctions. France is said to have objected to this Iranian demand.