France is "very supportive" of the discussions conducted by the U.S. with Iran but remains vigilant, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced Monday in Luxembourg.

The U.S. started talks with Iran over the weekend, the minister noted shortly before a meeting of EU foreign ministers. "We welcome this approach very favorably, but we will be vigilant with our British and German friends and partners to ensure that any negotiations that may begin are indeed in line with our security interests," he added upon his arrival in Luxembourg.

The two countries, which have not had diplomatic relations since 1980, exchanged talks Saturday under Oman's mediation on the Iranian nuclear issue. These discussions between Tehran and Washington are to continue "indirectly," according to Iran.

Barrot also welcomed the new sanctions decided by the EU against Iran, which are to be officially announced Monday during this meeting in Luxembourg. Seven individuals and two entities will be subject to these sanctions, imposed to pressure Iran, holding several Europeans or dual nationals, dubbed "state hostages" by Western chanceries. "I am pleased that we can impose these sanctions today against seven individuals and two entities, including Shiraz Prison," said Barrot. "It was time, because the conditions in which some of our French and European compatriots are held are unworthy and akin to torture in international law," he added. Officially, two French nationals remain detained in Iran, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, imprisoned since 2022.