France says it will work with China on de-esclatating conflict in West Asia

 French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot held a ​call on Monday (March 2, 2026) with his ‌Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to ​discuss the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran ⁠and both agreed to work on de-escalation, Mr. Barrot’s office said in ‌a statement.

Both Ministers committed to seeking a political ‌solution that would guarantee collective ‌security ⁠and take into account the ⁠aspirations of the Iranian people, the statement said.

Iran-Israel war updates on March 3, 2026

Mr. Barrot “reiterated the Iranian regime’s ​responsibility for the ‌ongoing escalation, after it unjustifiably attacked several countries in the region,” the statement said.

He also ‌criticised the Iranian regime ​for refusing to respect the resolutions from the United ⁠Nations’ Security Council on the nuclear programmes, ballistic activities, support to ‌non-state armed groups and rejecting good-faith multilateral negotiations.

The French Minister reiterated that France was not involved in the actions by the United States and ‌Israel and had no prior knowledge ​of them. Countries “must give precedence to international institutions to ⁠solve disputes and, where needed, the use ⁠of force,” he added.

The two Ministers agreed ‌to keep dialogue open on the issue.