"Extremely grave and inadmissible attack": Paris denounces "extremely serious intimidation" against two French diplomats in Iran

France has strongly denounced the "extremely grave intimidation action" by Iranian security services against two French diplomats in Tehran, calling it a "grave and inadmissible" violation of diplomatic immunity. The diplomats were detained for several hours, interrogated, and one was physically mistreated before being allowed to return to the French embassy.

Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that the incident, which occurred Sunday evening, involved "unprovoked" detention. He expressed full support and solidarity with the diplomats, noting that they were involved in programs supporting Iranian civil society, artists, and scientists. This context, he stated, makes the aggression even more shocking.

Barrot informed his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, that this violation of the diplomats' integrity "cannot remain without consequence." The French foreign ministry had previously reiterated that European sanctions against Iran would not be lifted until Tehran renounced its nuclear program and destabilizing regional activities.

The incident occurs amid heightened tensions, with Iran reporting facing a "total war" with the United States following recent strikes. The French condemnation underscores the ongoing diplomatic friction between Western nations and Iran, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional behavior.