France says it will work with China on de-esclatating Iran war

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot speaks during a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, February 5, 2026. (Photo: Reuters)

PARIS, March 3 (Reuters) – French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot held a call on Monday with his ​Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss ‌the Iran war and both agreed to work on de-escalation, Barrot’s office said in a statement.

Both ministers ​committed to seeking a political solution ​that would guarantee collective security and take ⁠into account the aspirations of the ​Iranian people, the statement said.

Barrot “reiterated the Iranian ​regime’s responsibility for the ongoing escalation, after it unjustifiably attacked several countries in the region,” the statement ​said.

He also criticised the Iranian regime for ​refusing to respect the resolutions from the United Nations’ ‌Security ⁠Council on the nuclear programmes, ballistic activities, support to non-state armed groups and rejecting good-faith multilateral negotiations.

The French minister reiterated that ​France was ​not involved ⁠in the actions by the United States and Israel and ​had no prior knowledge of them. ​Countries “must ⁠give precedence to international institutions to solve disputes and, where needed, the use of force,” ⁠he ​added.

The two ministers agreed ​to keep dialogue open on the issue.