France’s Focus on Iranian Market
What is the root of France’s double-standard positions prior to and after the nuclear agreement?
France has established close relations with some of the Persian Gulf littoral states including Saudi Arabia and Qatar and had signed economic deals with them to sell arms. Therefore, during the course of negotiations, France attempted to act as their representative to safeguard their interests. Saudi Arabia and Qatar also expected France to protect their interests. Israel also had similar, but lower, expectations from France. Since these countries did not have a direct influence on the nuclear negotiations, they made great efforts to pressure France. Thus, France attempted to reflect their, sometimes, harsh positions. But since Iran and the US were the two main parties of negotiations, France could not advance its objectives and finally expressed its support for this deal. Furthermore, due to the economic crisis which exists in France and Iran’s huge market with a population of 80 million and the presence of attractive factors including proper infrastructures and educated forces in Iran, France attempts to repair its economic relations with Iran because it used to have relatively desirable economic and trade relations with our country. France is now reviewing these relations in order to gain its status in Iran’s market and economy. At the same time, due to the influence of France in some countries of the Middle East including Syria, Lebanon and even Yemen, it could help the stability of the region. Radicalism and terrorism in the Middle East directly threatens France’s security because French citizens are active in these terrorist groups. The presence of these people and their return alongside the wave of immigration to France will be potential security and economic threats to this country. Hence, through cooperation with Iran, France could help the stability of the region and reduce its problems.
Why does France list Iran in the category of the Middle East Arab states? Is it aimed at creating a balance between Iran and some Arab countries including Saudi Arabia?
Through Iran, France could, to some extent, exert pressures on Saudi Arabia against its threats. Of course, the more the options a country may have, the more its power to maneuver would be. This is a principle and France could use it to its own benefit.
Is there any relation between the simultaneity of the visit made by the Saudi King to France and Fabius’ visit to Iran?
The visit made by the Saudi King is a pleasure visit to the southern parts of France. Saudi Arabia and France have close economic ties. In general, France’s Middle East policy is concentrated on the Persian Gulf. This is obvious from the military base which France has established in the UAE during the past few years. Considering the strategic importance of this region and the countries within it and the high economic capacity particularly in buying arms and other French products, the Persian Gulf states could be good trade partners for this country which is suffering from undesirable economic conditions.
Could Iran and France reach a common pattern in the security of the Middle East?
It is too early to talk about a common pattern for Iran and France. But these two countries could cooperate in certain areas because it would be in their common interests. But reaching a common pattern on the security issue needs time and depends on the future developments of the region. It does not seem possible at the present time. But occasional cooperation could be done in more limited levels.