Tête à tête - Is a diplomatic solution with Iran achievable? 'I doubt it,' says Israel's ambassador to France
France 24
by Marc PERELMANFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Israel's Ambassador to France, Joshua Zarka, has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of a diplomatic resolution with Iran. In an interview with FRANCE 24, he openly doubted the possibility of reaching a meaningful agreement and called for regime change in Tehran. This stance reflects a hardline position against Iran's current government, which has long been a source of tension in international relations. Zarka also criticized Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, stating that it has no intention of disarming, which he claims poses a significant obstacle to peace efforts in the region.
The ambassador's remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as concerns over the stability of the Middle East. While some international actors have pushed for diplomacy to address issues like nuclear proliferation and regional security, Zarka's comments suggest that Israel is leaning toward a more confrontational approach. He also denied allegations that Israel is pursuing de facto annexation in the West Bank, a claim that has been made by various Palestinian groups and human rights organizations.
Zarka's interview highlights the deepening divide between Israel and Iran, as well as the challenges of achieving peace in the region. His call for regime change in Tehran underscores the complexity of navigating relations with Iran, particularly given its influence in the Middle East through proxies like Hezbollah. Meanwhile, his criticism of Hamas' refusal to disarm points to ongoing frustrations over the lack of progress in Palestinian-Israeli negotiations.
This matters because it sheds light on the broader challenges of achieving stability in the Middle East. Zarka's comments reflect a growing consensus among Israeli officials that traditional diplomatic avenues are unlikely to yield results, particularly with Iran and groups like Hamas. His call for regime change in Tehran signals a potential shift toward more aggressive policies, which could further complicate efforts to resolve conflicts in the region.
Ultimately, Zarka's remarks underscore the enduring complexities of navigating relations between Israel, Iran, and
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/26/2026