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Erdogan Blames France Riots on ‘Institutional Racism’ 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announces new cabinet during a press conference in Ankara, Türkiye June 3, 2023. (Reuters)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announces new cabinet during a press conference in Ankara, Türkiye June 3, 2023. (Reuters)
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Erdogan Blames France Riots on ‘Institutional Racism’ 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announces new cabinet during a press conference in Ankara, Türkiye June 3, 2023. (Reuters)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announces new cabinet during a press conference in Ankara, Türkiye June 3, 2023. (Reuters)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday blamed France's nationwide riots on "institutional racism" and the country's colonial past.

The French government has been battling riots and looting in Paris and across the country since 17-year-old Nahel M. -- a French citizen of Algerian background -- was shot dead by a police officer during a traffic stop last Tuesday.

Erdogan blamed the French unrest Monday on "Islamophobia" that he linked to France's colonial past.

"In countries known for their colonial past, cultural racism has turned into institutional racism," he said on television, after chairing a weekly cabinet meeting.

"At the root of the events that started in France is the social architecture built by this mentality. Most of the immigrants who are condemned to live in ghettos, who are systematically oppressed, are Muslims."

He also condemned the widespread looting that has accompanied the unrest.

"The streets cannot be used to seek justice. However, it is clear the authorities should also learn from the social explosion," Erdogan said.

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Washington-Tehran Nuclear Talks Postponed as Iran Reasserts Red Lines

Iranians walk past an anti-US mural in Tehran bearing the slogan “Death to America,” with skulls replacing the stars on the American flag (AFP)
Iranians walk past an anti-US mural in Tehran bearing the slogan “Death to America,” with skulls replacing the stars on the American flag (AFP)
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Washington-Tehran Nuclear Talks Postponed as Iran Reasserts Red Lines

Iranians walk past an anti-US mural in Tehran bearing the slogan “Death to America,” with skulls replacing the stars on the American flag (AFP)
Iranians walk past an anti-US mural in Tehran bearing the slogan “Death to America,” with skulls replacing the stars on the American flag (AFP)

As diplomatic activity intensified around Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran moved to reestablish firm “red lines” ahead of anticipated talks with the United States next week. On the same day, Russia encouraged both sides to pursue a “fair agreement,” while the European Union urged Iran to help de-escalate regional tensions.

Iranian officials adopted a tough tone, insisting that upcoming negotiations must remain strictly confined to the nuclear issue. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani emphasized that Tehran is committed to diplomacy, but said the US must show genuine goodwill.

“Our red lines are clear. We are only discussing the nuclear file and will remain firm in our rightful stance,” she told reporters on Tuesday.

The talks were originally scheduled for the previous weekend but were postponed due to what Oman’s foreign minister described as “logistical reasons.” The next round—reportedly the fourth—is now expected to take place early next week in Muscat. While Iranian outlet Nournews reported that the talks would resume on Sunday, a source close to the Iranian negotiation team said dates were still under discussion.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, affirming Moscow’s support for a “fair agreement” grounded in international law. According to a Kremlin statement, Russia reiterated its willingness to assist the negotiation process.

Later that day, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she had spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, urging a de-escalation of regional tensions and reaffirming the EU’s commitment to diplomacy. She also raised concerns about Iran’s military support for Russia and the detention of EU citizens.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi echoed those concerns in a separate conversation with Kallas, underscoring the agency’s central role in monitoring nuclear compliance.

In Tehran, former MP Elias Naderan warned against surrendering Iran’s nuclear capabilities, cautioning that Western powers might treat Iran like Libya if it concedes too much. “Sanctions only strengthen resistance,” he said, urging cooperation without compromising national principles.