Araghchi hits back at French human rights criticism

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly rejected criticism from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot over alleged human rights violations in Iran.

In a statement on social media, Araghchi accused France of ignoring its own colonial history while criticising Tehran. He referred to the deaths of Algerians during France’s war of independence and questioned Paris’ record on acknowledging those events.

Araghchi also criticised France for what he described as silence over the deaths of Iranian schoolchildren during the conflict with the United States. He said the French government’s recent comments on human rights were inconsistent with its position on the conflict.

The remarks followed accusations by Barrot concerning Iran’s human rights record. The exchange comes amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Western governments.

The dispute has also unfolded as fighting and diplomatic activity continue across the wider region. Concerns over maritime security, energy supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remain high.

South Korea has meanwhile indicated that it is prepared to make a substantial contribution to international efforts to maintain freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun discussed the issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.

Seoul has ruled out deploying combat troops to the waterway but is considering other forms of support. Cho urged continued coordination with Washington on maritime security.

The two officials also discussed North Korea and reaffirmed their commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. Cho said South Korea would support US efforts to resume dialogue with Pyongyang.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that US military facilities in the Middle East have suffered significant damage during Iranian attacks. Images reviewed by US media reportedly showed damaged buildings and military equipment at several bases in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Iranian officials have also said diplomatic efforts are continuing to address outstanding issues and revive the Islamabad agreement. Tehran has called for the other side to fulfil its commitments under the agreement.

In Yemen, government forces reported renewed clashes with the Houthis. Authorities said a Houthi drone was shot down in Al-Jawf, while government aircraft carried out strikes on Houthi positions near Taiz.

Yemeni officials also claimed that government forces recaptured two positions along the Taiz-Lahj front following heavy fighting. The Houthis have not immediately commented on the claims.

The latest developments highlight the continuing instability across several parts of the region, with diplomatic efforts taking place alongside military confrontations and growing concerns over key maritime routes.