Iran says Macron 'chooses to spin' its nuclear program while Israel kills Iranians 'in cold blood'

ISTANBUL

Iran on Saturday slammed French President Emmanuel Macron over his remarks as a military escalation with Israel continues, saying he chose to "spin" Tehran's nuclear program, which is "shameful."

"Shameful: #Israel targets peaceful nuclear facilities, bombs homes and kills Iranians in cold blood in blatant violation of international law. Yet #Macron chooses now to spin Iran's nuclear program," said Foreign Ministry's spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei on X. "The hypocrisy is staggering."

Baqaei did not provide further details, but Macron said he spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and that Iran's nuclear issue is "serious."

"The Iranian nuclear issue is serious: it must be resolved through negotiation," the French president wrote on X.

"I therefore called on President Pezeshkian to return quickly to the negotiating table to reach an agreement, the only possible way to defuse the situation. We are ready to contribute and put all our efforts into achieving this goal."

The sixth round of indirect nuclear talks between the US and Iran, scheduled for Sunday in Muscat, will not be taking place, according to Oman's foreign minister.

Israel bombed Iran’s atomic facilities and killed some of its top commanders and nuclear scientists early Friday, and has continued its attacks ever since. Iran also launched retaliatory strikes.

US President Donald Trump has also urged Iran to accept a nuclear deal to avoid further attacks.​​​​​​