France worried by Iran’s ‘hegemonic’ intentions, FM tells Saudis

Jean-Yves Le Drian, visiting Riyadh, expresses concerns over Tehran’s ballistic missiles program, says Lebanon should be ‘protected from foreign interference’

By AFP 16 November 2017, 1:59 pm 1

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French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, addresses the "MiSK Global Forum" in the Saudi capital Riyadh on November 16, 2017. (AFP PHOTO / FAYEZ NURELDINE)

France is worried by Iran’s “hegemonic” intentions in the Middle East, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Thursday.

At a press conference with his Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir, Le Drian echoed Riyadh’s concerns over Iranian “intervention in regional crises” and “hegemonic” intentions in the region.

“I’m thinking specifically about Iran’s ballistic program,” Le Drian added.

Le Drian focused on Lebanon and its prime minister Saad Hariri in his comments to reporters, saying the Middle Eastern country should be “protected from foreign interference.”

Hariri, whose sudden resignation on November 4 while in Saudi Arabia sparked a flurry of diplomatic talks, has accepted an invitation to visit France, Le Drian said.

Beirut has accused Riyadh of “detaining” Hariri and France has been pushing for him to return home.

Lebanon is home to parties allied with both Sunni giant Saudi Arabia and its arch-rival Iran, which backs the powerful Hezbollah terrorist organization.