UPDATE - France stresses commitment to holding conference on 2-state solution in Middle East

ADDS FURTHER REMARKS ABOUT IRAN; CHANGES DECK

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed on Thursday his country's commitment to holding a UN conference on a two-state solution in the Middle East.

"Even though we had to postpone it for logistical and security reasons, we remain determined to hold the United Nations Conference for the Two-State Solution. This has set in motion an unstoppable dynamic that must lead us, collectively, toward recognizing the state of Palestine," Barrot told a news briefing.

He also reiterated France’s position in support of “peace” and “security” for all, rejecting Israel’s occupation of Gaza, the continued detention of hostages, and the blockade of humanitarian aid.

Barrot further reminded that France refuses a "nuclear Iran," which poses an "existential threat."

"This is a problem that can only be resolved through negotiation, as we did 10 years ago. Negotiation remains, even today, the only way to achieve a lasting rollback of Iran's nuclear and ballistic program. This is why we are calling, as the President of the Republic has done, for restraint, de-escalation, and an end to the strikes on both sides," he added.

He also called for a "return to negotiations," expressing "readiness" to contribute to discussions and join the UK and Germany in negotiations with Iran scheduled for Friday in Geneva.

"We have duly informed the American negotiators—who had opened a line of contact with the Iranians—of how crucial and vital it is for us to obtain a real and lasting rollback of Iran’s nuclear program," Barrot noted.

He also urged Iran not to "play for time" in the discussion they "choose" to begin with the US.

"We remain determined to reach an agreement that guarantees the security of France and Europe. Failing that, at the end of the 10 years we collectively agreed upon in 2015, we would have no choice but to reimpose all the sanctions that had been lifted," Barrot further warned.

He also announced that French citizens who are unable to reach the Armenian or Turkish border from Iran would be transported by convoy by the end of the week. Similarly, he reaffirmed that citizens in Israel would be taken from the Jordanian and Egyptian borders to the airports via buses.

"A flight will be arranged from Amman by the end of the week, depending on the opening of crossing points, to facilitate the return of French citizens who are temporarily in the region," Barrot added.

Reassuring that they prioritize their citizens' safety in the region, Barrot noted that they have not evacuated their diplomatic staff to support their citizens in the region.

Hostilities began between Israel and Iran last Friday, when Tel Aviv launched airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.

Israeli authorities said at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks.

In Iran, 585 people have been killed and more than 1,300 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to Iranian media reports.​​​​​​​