France to Expel Two Iranian Diplomats Over Assault on French Officials

France is set to expel two Iranian diplomats in the coming days, a retaliatory measure for what the French Foreign Ministry described as a "deliberate assault" on two French diplomats on July 19. The announcement came from Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who characterized the incident as "scandalously and deliberately" carried out.

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It is precisely because France stands alongside the Iranian people, supporting its artists, scientists and researchers, that two French diplomats were scandalously and deliberately assaulted on July 19.

Barrot had previously warned that the alleged attack would not go without repercussions. "It is precisely because France stands alongside the Iranian people, supporting its artists, scientists and researchers, that two French diplomats were scandalously and deliberately assaulted on July 19," he stated on X. "I had announced that this intolerable act would have consequences. It has," he confirmed, signaling the impending expulsion.

The foreign minister also conveyed a message of solidarity with the Iranian populace, referring to them as the "primary victims" amid the current "extreme tension" in the Middle East. He cited the "bloody repression" of protests in January 2026 and ongoing bombings as evidence of their suffering.

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I had announced that this intolerable act would have consequences. It has.

This diplomatic move underscores the strained relations between France and Iran, particularly in the context of international pressure and internal Iranian affairs. The expulsion signifies France's firm stance against perceived aggression and its commitment to protecting its diplomatic personnel.

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The Iranian people were the “primary victims” of the current period of extreme tension in the Middle East, citing what he described as the “bloody repression” of protests in January 2026 as well as ongoing bombings.