France calls for restraint, affirms Israel's right to defend itself

PARIS, June 13 (Reuters) - France on Friday called for restraint after Israel struck Iran, but said Israel had the right to defend itself against all attacks and that Paris had repeatedly expressed its concerns over Iran's nuclear programme.

"We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability," Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X, adding that Paris' priority was for the security of its citizens.

"We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack."