In a meeting with his French counterpart on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Masoud Pezeshkian said France can act “much more effectively” to halt the Zionist regime’s crimes.
“Today, the people of Iran and region are severely affected by the Zionist regime’s crimes, and the continuation of these atrocities could tip the situation out of control,” he said.
Pezeshkian noted that while Iran has exercised self-restraint to prevent an escalation of tensions in the region, the Zionist regime has intensified its crimes against Gaza and has attacked Lebanon.
The Iranian president expressed surprise that the US and a number of other Western governments, including France, describe the Israeli regime’s crimes as self-defense, noting that such atrocities are not justifiable under any rule.
He urged the Western states to end their double standards, saying a mere verbal condemnation of the Israeli crimes has only emboldened the Zionist regime.
Pezeshkian also reaffirmed his administration’s determination for constructive interaction with neighbors, saying Tehran is also prepared for cooperation and interaction with European countries.
For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron voiced concern about the situation in the region, especially the Israeli aggression against Lebanon.
France strongly condemns the strikes on Lebanon and has made every effort to mount pressure and stop the Israeli aggression, he added.