Macron: Iran’s nuclear program nearing point of no return

French President Emmanuel Macron says Iran is the main strategic and security challenge in the Middle East, citing the acceleration of its nuclear program and support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“Iran is the main strategic and security challenge for France, the Europeans, the entire region and beyond,” Macron says in a speech to ambassadors, adding the issue would be a key subject of discussion with the new administration of US President-elect Donald Trump.

“”The acceleration of the nuclear program leads us nearly to the point of no return,” Macron says.

He additionally says the West must not be naive about the new authorities in Syria after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad and promises France will not abandon Kurdish fighters.

“We must regard the regime change in Syria without naivete,” Macron says, adding France will not abandon “freedom fighters, like the Kurds” who are fighting extremist groups in Syria.