Why it matters:
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned anti-Iranian remarks by his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, after an Iranian filmmaker won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
Araghchi said the French foreign minister's remarks are a blatant interference in Iran's internal affairs.
The big picture:
Western nations, France among them, have routinely criticized Iran for its human rights record. Iran, in turn, accuses the West of double standards, especially regarding Israel. The sharp exchange reflects a broader geopolitical divide over West Asia policy, justice, and sovereignty.
Iran also summoned France's envoy in Tehran to protest against such "insulting" remarks made by the French foreign minister.
Iran called the comments "insulting and unfounded allegations".
What he's saying:
Araghchi said: "There have been many transgressions making a mockery of France's 'human rights activism". But perhaps nothing has made the hypocrisy as stark as the French approach to the Israeli regime and its war crimes."
"France has committed countless violations and contradictions that discredit its claim of defending human rights."
"None, however, are as glaring as its approach to the Israeli regime and its war crimes."
"Stop preaching to Iranians—you have no moral authority to do so."
Go deeper:
Iran Summons French Diplomat Over ‘Interventionist’ Remarks by Foreign Minister
Neda Sajjadi
