Iran on March 2 criticized French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of applying double standards by defending Paris's nuclear deterrence program while pressuring Tehran's nuclear program.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said: "The French president's remarks on nuclear deterrence are a clear manifestation of double standards and the politicization of the nuclear issue."
According to Kanaani, while France asserts it maintains a nuclear deterrence doctrine, it criticizes Iran's nuclear activities — a country that has always emphasized its program is for peaceful purposes only.
Earlier, in a speech on March 1, President Macron reaffirmed that France will continue to maintain an independent nuclear deterrence capability, while calling on Iran to fully comply with its international commitments regarding its nuclear program.
Tensions between Iran and Western powers, including France, have increased recently after talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) made no significant progress.
Iran maintains that pressure measures and statements from the West are lacking in goodwill, while stressing its readiness for dialogue based on mutual respect and its legitimate rights.
