Iranian Spokesperson Calls French FM's Remarks 'Height of Hypocrisy'

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei strongly criticized French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot's recent remarks regarding Iran, describing them as the "height of hypocrisy." In a post on X on Friday, Baghaei wrote, "Mr. Minister, it appears that hypocrisy and duplicity have remained among the defining characteristics of the French political culture to this day." He invoked the work of French playwright Molière, referring to the 1664 play Tartuffe or the Hypocrite, quoting: "Hypocrisy has become a fashionable vice."

Baghaei reminded that Paris remained silent while Iranian cities were subjected to attacks, accusing French officials of effectively siding with the aggressors during the latest unprovoked American-Israeli aggression targeting Iran. "At a time when Iranian cities were being brutally bombarded and innocent Iranians were being savagely massacred in Minab, Tehran, Lamard, Isfahan, and elsewhere, you remained silent and in fact collaborated with the aggressors," the spokesperson wrote, referring to targeted cities where civilian casualties occurred.

According to Baghaei, the French government selectively resorts to so-called "human rights concerns" for political purposes. "Today, in line with your regime’s political interests, your conscience has suddenly and selectively awakened, and you brazenly preach about the human rights! What hypocrisy and duplicity!" he added.

The remarks came after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that France would oppose the lifting of United Nations Security Council sanctions against Iran unless negotiations concerning Iran's peaceful nuclear energy program meet Paris' desired expectations. Barrot also made interfering comments regarding Iran's defensive missile program and regional influence.

According to Press TV, Baghaei's statement highlights the perceived double standards of the French government in its approach to Iran. The report by Mehr News Agency (MNA) added that the Iranian spokesperson's criticism underscores ongoing tensions between Iran and France over nuclear and regional issues.