EXCLUSIVE: France’s ambassador stated that Paris has issued a forceful condemnation of Iran’s violent suppression of nationwide protests. The French government is also considering potential satellite communications assistance to aid Iranians in bypassing a near-complete internet shutdown.
In an exclusive interview, Jerome Bonnafont characterized what he described as an intensification of repression by Iranian authorities and detailed France’s reaction, involving sanctions and diplomatic measures.
“We have condemned, at the highest level and in the strongest terms, the crackdown on the popular movement in Iran,” Bonnafont stated. “This time, the repression appears to me to be even more severe than in the past.”
His comments coincide with confirmation from France’s foreign minister that Paris is exploring the possible provision of Eutelsat-operated satellite terminals to Iran, following internet restrictions imposed during the unrest. This development also comes as the G7 released a joint statement denouncing Iran’s violent response to the protests.
The foreign ministers of France, the United States, and other G7 countries cautioned that they are ready to enact further restrictive measures should Iran persist in breaching its international human rights commitments.
Earlier Tuesday, Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, during a call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, pressed France to endorse labeling Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization at the European Union level.
When questioned if France would support this step, Bonnafont did not comment directly on the IRGC designation, focusing instead on sanctions and global pressure.
“Sanctions have been imposed on the regime’s police forces. There are also sanctions against numerous individuals—more than 200 people in Iran for these reasons,” he explained.
“Our role is to condemn and to convey the appropriate message to the people of Iran and to the regime, so that this widespread repression ceases.”
Bonnafont also responded to repeated calls from the President for European allies to assume a greater share of NATO’s defense responsibilities, contending that Europe is already progressing in that direction.
“Europeans possess the determination to assume complete responsibility for protecting their own continent,” he affirmed.
He underscored that this stance aligns with a longstanding French policy. “It is a perennial objective for French governments that there must exist within NATO an autonomous, self-sufficient entity for European defense,” Bonnafont said, alluding to France’s enduring promotion of European strategic autonomy, a stance consistently highlighted by the President.
Bonnafont cited Europe’s reaction to Russia’s war in Ukraine as proof that European governments are ready to act in unison when fundamental security interests are at stake.
“Ukraine was attacked by Russia four years ago. Now it has been invaded, and it has chosen to resist and fight for its independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty,” he remarked.
He portrayed European support for Kyiv as both cohesive and substantial. “Europeans are rallying in support of Ukraine. Our financial support is massive, and our political support is unanimous,” Bonnafont stated.
The ambassador noted that France and the United Kingdom are collaborating to form what he called a “coalition of volunteers” to furnish Ukraine with long-term security assurances once negotiations with Russia become feasible.
“When Ukraine engages in discussions with Russia, and when Russia agrees to enter talks with Ukraine, and when the components of a sustainable peace are documented, Ukraine can receive security guarantees,” he said.
Bonnafont also referenced France’s domestic budgetary plans as proof that Europe is matching its words with financial commitment. “The negotiation for France’s next budget in 2026 is currently underway,” he noted. “It features a significant boost in our defense spending, and it is the sole budget line set to increase in our entire budget this year.”
Apart from NATO and European defense strategy, Bonnafont said France is advocating for institutional reform at the United Nations, where member states have recently ratified major budget cuts. “The institution must reform. It must continually reform,” he asserted.
“We reached a consensus with the American government and all others on a budget that entails a 20% reduction in personnel and a 15% cut in funds allocated to the U.N.,” Bonnafont added. “Please show me another public organization capable of such an effort in such a brief period.”
Despite the reductions, he upheld the U.N.’s importance. “Yes, we are earnest about reform. Yes, we want it to be more efficient,” Bonnafont said. “But yes, the world needs the U.N.”
When asked about the U.S. choice to suspend funding for several U.N. agencies, including UNRWA, Bonnafont supported the agencies, remarking, “Organizations function more effectively when they are universal,” while noting that participation remains a sovereign decision for the United States.