Macron Says Regional Sates, Israel Should Be Involved In Talks With Iran

French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated that regional states should be involved in talks with Iran to improve the chances of a nuclear agreement.

Speaking to reporters Saturday, Macron said it is important “to reengage a slightly broader dynamic and involve regional powers as well,” an added. “It is difficult to reach an agreement if the Gulf states, Israel and all those whose security is directly affected are not involved.”

It was significant that Macron mentioned Israel, that Iran has repeatedly threatened to destroy. Israel has also vowed never to allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.

The French president had said in January that Saudi Arabia and other regional powers should be part of talks to restore the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, JCPOA.

The United States and its three European allies, the United Kingdom, France and Germany that are negotiating with Iran in Vienna also want to address Tehran’s regional policy of supporting militant, proxy groups, but Tehran has flatly rejected any talks beyond the revival of the JCPOA.

Talks with Iran that resumed on November 29 adjourned on Friday without a success amid pessimism among Western countries who said that Tehran did not show any sign of being ready to reach a deal.