Gérard Araud

Gérard Araud, a career diplomat, retired in April 2019 from the French foreign service as Ambassador of France to the U.S. (2014-2019) and Permanent Representative of France to the U.N. in New York (2009-2014). He previously held numerous positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, notably Director for Strategic Affairs, Security and Disarmament (2000-2003), Ambassador of France to Israel (2003-2006), Director General for Political Affairs and Security (2006-2009), He has reached the highest rank in the French diplomatic service (‘’Ambassadeur de France’’).

Over the course of his career, Gérard has developed specialized knowledge in two key areas: Middle East and strategic & security issues. He was the French negotiator on the Iranian nuclear issue from 2006 to 2009.

He is trustee of the International Crisis Group and Senior Distinguished Fellow of the Atlantic Council in Washington DC. He is a columnist for the French weekly ‘’Le Point’’, for the National French Radio ‘’France Inter’’ and has frequently being interviewed as an foreign affairs expert by French and international media (CNN International, the BBC and other English speaking TV and radios).