Iran disputes French claims of violence against diplomats in Tehran

Iran's Foreign Ministry has denied claims that two French diplomats were mistreated during a detention in Tehran. An Iranian official stated security personnel questioned the diplomats after they met with individuals under investigation for security reasons.

However, France's Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's charge d'affaires, asserting that the two embassy staff were detained for several hours, had their phones confiscated, were denied contact with the embassy, and faced verbal intimidation. France specifically reported that the cultural attaché endured physical violence, a clear violation of diplomatic conventions.

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Security agents transferred the two individuals to the diplomatic police as soon as they realized their link to the French embassy. There had been no intimidation.

French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux refuted the Iranian account, emphasizing the diplomats were meeting a supplier and acted professionally. He reiterated that one diplomat suffered physical violence. Confavreux noted a pattern of intimidation as France increases its engagement with Iran's civil society, particularly after recent crackdowns on protests.

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has indicated the incident will have consequences, with Paris reportedly considering various responses. The situation unfolds as Tehran attempts to quell domestic unrest amidst its ongoing conflict with the United States.

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They were acting in a professional framework and despite giving their identities and profession, were held for four hours. One of them was subjected to physical violence.