French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has criticized both Iran and the United States in their moves and counter moves, in an interview with Le Parisien on May 11.

LeDrian said that Iran had “a bad reaction” to the “bad decision” by the United States to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear agreement and impose sanctions on Tehran.

On May 8 Iran issues a statement giving European powers 60 days to move ahead with arrangement to boost trade, despite U.S. sanctions. The EU rejected Iran's deadline saying it does not accept ultimatums.

He characterized the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or Iran’s nuclear agreement with world powers as a “major achievement” of nuclear non-proliferation and asked “all the actors to respect it”.

Asked about the U.S. decision to boost its military presence in the region fearing an attck, LeDrian said his country’s position is dialogue with Iran and added, “We refuse a bellicose spiral”.

The top French diplomat expressed regret that the U.S. “is not honoring its commitments” regarding the nuclear deal. At the same time he called on Iran to show “political maturity” and to respect its own people.