Iran Press/Europe: As disputes escalate between France and the United States, Paris recommended to European countries to refrain from joining Washington's alliance in the Persian Gulf, Sky News reported.
According to two French sources, Dominic Raab, the new British Foreign Secretary, spoke in recent days about his projects with Jean-Yves Le Drian, his French counterpart for this Europe-led maritime initiative and further talks are expected on the sidelines of the G7 summit of world powers in the seaside town of Biarritz at the end of the month, which is a timely moment for French leaders.
There is also concern about the ease with which information is gleaned from the US Army could be shared with a mission led by France. France, which is a close ally of the United States and has previously worked with Americans, is not part of the 'Five Eyes' intelligence-sharing community (which includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States).
The United States has increased its military presence in the region and even called on other countries to join the US-led effort to enhance maritime security. But France does not want to align on such a mission as it could be associated with the 'maximum pressure' policy and undermine efforts to keep the original agreement (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) alive.
According to the Sky News, French President Emmanuel Macron wants Europe to enjoy 'strategic autonomy' over defense rather than relying on the United States.
Earlier on Friday, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement, "On Iran, France speaks with total sovereignty. France commits strongly to peace and security in the region, and commits to enabling de-escalation. France requires no authorization to do so.
"France is true to the Vienna Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which blocks nuclear proliferation. It is true to its signature, as are the other signatories of the JCPOA, apart from the United States, and firmly asks Iran to resume compliance with its obligations," the statement added.
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