French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France, along with European allies Germany and the United Kingdom, will present a comprehensive diplomatic proposal to Iran in an effort to de-escalate the intensifying conflict with Israel. Speaking on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show, Macron said the European powers were “putting a diplomatic solution on the table” and urged Tehran to engage seriously with the initiative.
“It is essential to prioritise a return to substantive negotiations which include nuclear — to move to zero enrichment of uranium — ballistics, to limit Iranian capacities, and the financing of all the terrorist groups that destabilise the region,” Macron told reporters in Le Bourget. He warned that the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran represents an “existential risk” to Israel and a threat to regional stability, underscoring the urgency of renewed diplomatic efforts.
As part of the outreach, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is scheduled to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Geneva later today to deliver what Macron described as a “complete diplomatic and technical offer for negotiations.” The proposal reportedly includes limits on uranium enrichment, missile development, and Iran’s support for proxy groups in the Middle East.
However, Iran has already pushed back against parts of the European agenda. Speaking to Iranian state media, Araqchi firmly ruled out any discussion of Iran’s missile or defense capabilities. “Iran would not hold any talks with anybody about its missile power,” he stated, insisting that the Geneva discussions would be confined to nuclear and regional issues.
“Our missiles are meant to defend the country and create deterrence,” Araqchi said, framing Iran’s missile program as non-negotiable and central to its national security doctrine. He reiterated that Tehran will not compromise on its defense capabilities under any circumstances.
The diplomatic initiative comes amid a sharp escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel, with both sides engaging in military strikes and harsh rhetoric. While the United States has signaled it may consider military action if the conflict continues, Washington has thus far encouraged diplomatic efforts, including those led by its European allies.
Whether today’s meeting in Geneva can lay the groundwork for broader negotiations remains uncertain. While Europe is pushing for a wider deal that includes nuclear limits, ballistic missile controls, and a halt to Iranian proxy activity, Tehran appears unwilling to expand the agenda beyond its nuclear program.
The outcome of the Geneva talks may determine whether this latest window for diplomacy can prevent a wider regional war—or close just as quickly as it opened.