What Happened: U.S. President Donald Trump criticized French President Emmanuel Macron via Twitter on Aug. 8 for his diplomatic overtures to Iran and his attempts to establish a temporary freeze on sanctions and nuclear escalation.
Why It Matters: Trump's comments indicate that the U.S. government is not interested in negotiating with Iran through an intermediary, particularly on issues related to Tehran's nuclear program and U.S. sanctions.
Background: France has reportedly invited Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to visit the G-7 summit on Aug. 24 to meet Trump, although French officials have denied any such invitation.
Read More:
- Iran Goes All in for a Game of Nuclear Chicken (July 11, 2019)
- Tehran Journeys Down a Provocative Nuclear Path (July 8, 2019)
- Where Does Iran Fit in a World Defined by Great Power Competition? (May 20, 2019)
