France expels two Iranian diplomats amid strained relations

France has expelled two Iranian diplomats in response to an alleged incident where Iranian security forces detained and mistreated two French diplomats approximately one month prior. The French Foreign Ministry stated that Iran had failed to clarify the incident or hold those responsible accountable. Instead, the ministry claimed, Iran issued fabricated accusations against the two French embassy staff members.

According to French media reports, the two diplomats were briefly questioned by Iranian authorities, who denied the incident occurred. The diplomats were reportedly detained after attending a meeting with individuals sought by Iranian institutions. Following a brief stay in France, Iran allegedly prevented the two diplomats from returning to the country.

Both expelled diplomats were responsible for programs supporting Iranian civil society, with a particular focus on artists and researchers. The French government characterized the alleged detention as a "very bad act of intimidation" that violated diplomatic immunity. This expulsion further escalates the already tense relations between France and Iran, which have been strained for some time.

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very bad act of intimidation