France will expel two Iranian diplomats posted in France in retaliation for Iran banning two French diplomats in the embassy in Tehran, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced. The move follows the 'intolerable' treatment of French diplomats, who were briefly detained in Tehran last month over accusations of 'interference'. The Iranian foreign ministry informed France that the two French diplomats would not be allowed to return to Iran.
Barrot stated that the French diplomats, one of whom was the cultural attache, were detained and questioned by Iranian officials for several hours on July 19, in 'flagrant violation of diplomatic immunity'. He described the incident as an 'extremely serious act of intimidation', with one diplomat physically abused. The Iranian authorities denied any mistreatment, claiming the diplomats had 'interfered in Iran's internal affairs'.
The expulsion comes amid heightened tensions between France and Iran. Supporters of two Iranian graphic design artists, Aria Kasaei and Elly Naghilou, who were arrested during a meeting with the French diplomats, have called for their release and access to an independent lawyer. Rights groups report a crackdown on civil society in Iran following recent protests and the US-Israeli war against the Islamic republic.
FAQ
Why is France expelling Iranian diplomats?
France is expelling two Iranian diplomats in retaliation for Iran's ban on two French diplomats who were detained in Tehran over accusations of 'interference'.
What happened to the French diplomats in Tehran?
The French diplomats were detained and questioned by Iranian officials for several hours on July 19. One diplomat was reportedly physically abused, according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
How did Iran respond to the French diplomats' detention?
Iran denied any mistreatment of the French diplomats, claiming they had 'interfered in Iran's internal affairs'. The Iranian foreign ministry also informed France that the two French diplomats would not be allowed to return to Iran.
What is the current state of relations between France and Iran?
Relations between France and Iran are strained, with recent incidents including the detention of French diplomats and the arrest of Iranian graphic design artists during a meeting with the French diplomats. Rights groups report a crackdown on civil society in Iran following recent protests and the US-Israeli war against the Islamic republic.







































