France says it will veto UN sanctions lift on Iran

France has declared it will use its veto power at the United Nations Security Council to block the lifting of sanctions on Iran unless it is satisfied with the terms of a final nuclear agreement, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Friday. The statement asserts France's intent to play a decisive role in upcoming negotiations between the United States and Iran, which were agreed to this week and are set to take place over the next 60 days.

Barrot emphasized that any final deal would require endorsement by the Security Council, where France is a permanent, veto-wielding member. He stated that French approval is legally required to lift the UN sanctions that were imposed on Iran. The foreign minister outlined that France's objective is to secure major concessions from Iran, describing the need for a radical change in posture from Tehran.

The agreement between Washington and Tehran calls for negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, with a final deal to be submitted to the Security Council. France, along with Britain and Germany, wants a formal role in shaping these talks after feeling sidelined in recent months. These three European powers were central to the diplomatic...