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Iran Insists on ‘Punishing Those Responsible’ for Soleimani’s Death

Iranian Foreign Minister meets the European Coordinator of the Vienna talks in Tehran on March 27 (AFP)
Iranian Foreign Minister meets the European Coordinator of the Vienna talks in Tehran on March 27 (AFP)
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Iran Insists on ‘Punishing Those Responsible’ for Soleimani’s Death

Iranian Foreign Minister meets the European Coordinator of the Vienna talks in Tehran on March 27 (AFP)
Iranian Foreign Minister meets the European Coordinator of the Vienna talks in Tehran on March 27 (AFP)

Iranian Attorney-General Jafar Montazeri on Sunday said that his country would continue to follow-up on the assassination of Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani by a US army airstrike. Montazeri said the pursuit would carry on until all those responsible are held accountable.

“The judicial file is multifaceted, affecting both the Iraqi and Iranian government, and the hegemonic countries,” official media quoted Montazeri as saying.

He noted that the Iraqi government had “taken steps” but that the progress was beneath expectations.

“We will not leave the follow-up of the file until the completion of this case, even if it takes years,” said Montazeri, noting that “the file has international dimensions and takes time.”

The United States will not remove the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) from its list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) unless Tehran pledges to cease its death threats against US officials for the killing of the IRGC's Qassem Soleimani, a source close to the Vienna talks has told Radio Farda.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Ebrahim Raisi, and IRGC officials have repeatedly vowed to avenge Soleimani's death.

The source who spoke on condition of anonymity told Radio Farda that Tehran's last-minute demand for delisting the IRGC is currently the biggest hurdle in the way of an agreement to restore the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Iran’s foreign minister told the United Nations (UN) chief on Sunday that “the ball is in the US’ court” with regards to restoring the 2015 nuclear deal, adding that the negotiations were “close” to reaching an agreement, Iran’s state media reported.

According to state media, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the ceasefire in Yemen and the nuclear talks.

Making the remarks in a phone conversation with Guterres, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran has submitted its proposals concerning the remaining unresolved issues to the US through Enrique Mora, the European Union (EU) coordinator for the Iran nuclear talks.

Guterres expressed his hope that Iran and world powers would soon reach an agreement at the nuclear talks in Vienna which have been underway for over a year. The foreign minister responded that Iranian demands have already been made clear, and that it is now up to the US to make a final decision.

The key sticking point is Iran’s demand for sanctions on its Revolutionary Guard be removed, in turn removing the group from the US list of foreign terrorist organizations.

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Macron Affirms Trump Has ‘Solid Ally’ in France, Urges Realism from Ukraine over Territory

French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech to the French Bakery and Pastry Federation members during the traditional Epiphany cake ceremony at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France, 06 January 2025. (EPA)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech to the French Bakery and Pastry Federation members during the traditional Epiphany cake ceremony at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France, 06 January 2025. (EPA)
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Macron Affirms Trump Has ‘Solid Ally’ in France, Urges Realism from Ukraine over Territory

French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech to the French Bakery and Pastry Federation members during the traditional Epiphany cake ceremony at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France, 06 January 2025. (EPA)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech to the French Bakery and Pastry Federation members during the traditional Epiphany cake ceremony at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France, 06 January 2025. (EPA)

French President Emmanuel Macron said his country was a "a solid ally” of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday as he outlined his vision for global diplomacy in 2025, while warning that France could lose the incoming US leader’s respect by being “weak and defeatist.”

“Donald Trump knows that he has a solid ally in France, an ally he does not underestimate, one who believes in Europe and carries a lucid ambition for the transatlantic relationship,” Macron said in a New Year's speech at the Élysée Palace, emphasizing France’s commitment to fostering cooperation while urging European nations to fortify their unity and resilience.

Last month, Trump visited Paris for the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, an event that underscored the enduring ties between France and the United States.

“If we decide to be weak and defeatist, there is little chance we will be respected by the United States under President Trump,” Macron warned.

The speech, delivered against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, laid out France’s foreign policy priorities, spanning the Ukraine war, European defense, and the Middle East.

Even as Macron expressed openness to Trump, he delivered pointed criticism of tech mogul Elon Musk, a known Trump ally, for promoting what he described as a “new reactionary international” movement through his social media platform, X.

Without naming Musk directly, Macron referenced his alleged support for Germany’s far-right AfD party and his increasing interference in European elections.

“Who could have imagined, 10 years ago, that the owner of one of the world’s largest social networks would intervene directly in elections, including in Germany?” Macron said. He warned of the risks posed by unchecked power in the hands of tech billionaires and the destabilizing impact they could have on democratic institutions.

Macron framed Musk’s influence as a challenge to Europe’s democratic values, reinforcing the need for European unity and resilience against external disruptions.

Call for realism and responsibility on Ukraine

Addressing the grinding war in Ukraine, Macron stressed the need for “realistic discussions on territorial questions,” adding, “such negotiations can only be conducted by Ukrainians themselves.”

He called on the United States to “help change the nature of the situation and convince Russia to come to the negotiating table,” while underscoring Europe’s pivotal role. “The Europeans will have to construct security guarantees for Ukraine, which will be primarily their responsibility,” he said.

Macron countered Trump’s campaign pledge for an express settlement, warning, “There is no quick and easy solution in Ukraine.” He also highlighted the stakes for the United States, stating, “The new American president himself knows the United States has no chance of winning anything if Ukraine loses.”

The French president further cautioned against compromise due to fatigue. “The credibility of the West will be shattered if we compromise because of fatigue,” he asserted, adding that a capitulation of Ukraine would be catastrophic—not just for Europe, but for US credibility as well.

Iran and Syria

Macron addressed a range of pressing international issues, identifying Iran as the “principal strategic and security challenge” in the Middle East. He pointed to Tehran’s accelerated nuclear program as a looming global threat, warning that the world is “perilously close to the breaking point.”

On Syria, Macron reiterated France’s long-term commitment to supporting a democratic transition, pledging to remain faithful to Kurdish fighters battling terrorism. “The fight against terrorism must remain central to our priorities,” he said, reaffirming France’s backing for allies like the Kurds while advocating for a “sovereign, pluralistic Syria.”

Europe’s defense and economic future

In a sharp critique of Europe’s dependence on US defense technology, Macron urged European nations to bolster their industrial capabilities.

“If we depend on the American industrial base for our security, we will face strategic dilemmas that are both cruel and culpable,” he warned.

Macron also addressed the EU-Mercosur trade deal that France continues to oppose, signaling his country's intent to push for coherent commitments. The proposed agreement, which aims to reduce tariffs and boost trade between the European Union and South American countries, has been criticized for its potential environmental and agricultural impacts.

“The mass is not said. We will continue to defend the coherence of our commitments,” Macron stated.

Macron’s remarks underscored France’s delicate balancing act on the global stage—collaborating with old allies while maintaining European sovereignty.