Iran dismisses France's nuclear weapon claim as 'baseless'

Iran has told the UN Security Council that France's assertion that Tehran is "on the verge" of developing nuclear weapons is entirely unfounded and that its defense doctrine has not changed, according to a letter released on Wednesday.

In a letter to the Security Council, Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, described French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot's claims as "completely baseless and politically irresponsible," emphasizing that the Islamic Republic has never sought nuclear weapons.

The letter, also addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that if France and its partners genuinely seek a diplomatic solution, they should cease threats and respect the sovereign rights of nations under international law.

Iravani emphasized that Iran, as a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), remains committed to its obligations and that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) consistently verifies the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, confirming no diversion of nuclear materials for non-peaceful purposes.

The IAEA says it has lost continuity of knowledge regarding Iran's nuclear program, particularly concerning the production and inventory of key components like centrifuges and heavy water.

The Iranian envoy also criticized France's threat to reimpose sanctions via the so-called snapback mechanism, calling it a clear example of political and economic coercion and a violation of the UN Charter.