Esmail Baghaei accuses France of double standards after M51.3 test

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei accused France of nuclear double standards on October 9, contrasting its M51.3 missile test with objections to Iran's nuclear program.

In a post on X, Baghaei argued that Paris treated its deterrent as a guarantee of security and freedom while treating Iran's program as a threat. He described that program as peaceful and under international oversight, reflecting Tehran's position.

He referred to Emmanuel Macron's publication of launch footage and statement that France had become stronger. Baghaei's response criticized French policy rather than announcing an Iranian test.

The M51.3 launch took place from Le Vigilant on October 6. An ArianeGroup statement specified that the test missile carried no nuclear warhead. Nuclear capability does not mean a warhead was present during the test.