Iranian FM Slams EP’s Unconstructive Move against IRGC

On Wednesday, Amirabdollahian and his French counterpart Catherine Colonna held talks on the phone about the latest state of bilateral ties and some other important issues.

Iran’s top diplomat pointed to his meeting with Colonna in Jordan as well as the historical ties between Tehran and Paris, describing the French government’s inciting of riots in Iran as unfriendly.

The Iranian foreign minister further criticized meddling remarks by some French officials, saying Tehran always prefers the course of dialogue and diplomacy but, “as you can see, in a confrontational approach, our action is instant, effective and reciprocal."

Amirabdollahian further slammed the unconstructive stance and actions of the European Parliament against the IRGC.

He reiterated that the IRGC is a sovereign institution of Iran, protects Iran's national security and plays an important role in protecting regional security and engaging in genuine fight against terrorism.

The top diplomat said the Islamic republic of Iran is closely monitoring the behavior of the European Union and will take the next moves accordingly, the Foreign Ministry’s website reported.

Amirabdollahian underlined that in addition to such remarks and actions against Iran, “we witnessed the disrespectful and sacrilegious move of a French magazine and its defiling of religious sanctities which was repeated in the form of desecrating the Quran, the holy book of Muslims, in two European countries.

He also spoke about cooperation between Iran and France. He stressed the need for Tehran and Paris to focus on dialogue and interaction, calling on European countries to not repeat Trump’s failed policy of sanctions.  Amirabdollahian said Iran had just announced sanctions in a retaliatory move on the EU and Britain and that the sanctions list involved 33 European officials and entities.

The French foreign minister for her part underscored the importance of ties between Iran and France, saying Paris never meddled in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic.

Colonna also noted the importance of preserving bilateral ties between the two countries and said the relations need to be bolstered through dialogue.

The top French diplomat further called for the freedom of French prisoners held in Iran.

It should be noted that these French nationals are in jail in Iran for espionage, meddlesome activities and acts against Iran’s national security.

During the telephone conversation, Amirabdollahian and Colonna also discussed the latest state of consular cooperation between Tehran and Paris.