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France extends a $15 billion lifeline for Iran nuclear deal

Emmanuel Macron, President of France, speaks
Emmanuel Macron, president of France, at G7.

France has proposed offering about $15 billion in credit lines for Iran if it comes back into compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Reuters reports.

The catch: The prospective deal hinges on the Trump administration not blocking it.

  • "French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian said talks on the credit arrangement, which would be guaranteed by Iranian oil revenues, were continuing, but U.S. approval would be crucial," per Reuters.
  • The agreement would provide “a credit line guaranteed by oil in return for, 1, a return to the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal) ... and 2, security in the Gulf and the opening of negotiations on regional security and a post-2025 (nuclear program),” Le Drian told reporters. “All this (pre)supposes that President Trump issues waivers.”

Why it matters: Iran is a key player in the oil market and its declining economy is a key risk for the Middle East and Europe.

  • A destabilization could trigger another serious refugee crisis in addition to the danger of its potential nuclear capabilities.
  • European leaders have scrambled to find a solution for Iran's faltering economy since Trump pulled out of the deal last year.

Go deeper: Iran timeline: How Trump and Tehran came to the brink of war

Nuclear program of Iran