Iran detains and interrogates French diplomats: Paris reacts sharply to 'act of threat'

Tensions between France and Iran have escalated following an incident in which two employees of the French embassy were detained and interrogated by Iranian security services. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described Tehran's actions as an "extremely serious act of threat."

According to official data from Paris, the detention took place on Sunday and was carried out in "clear violation of diplomatic immunity." The two employees were held for several hours without cause, and during the interrogations, one of them was subjected to physical violence.

Minister Barrot emphasized that the incident is particularly shocking as the affected individuals lead programs in support of Iranian civil society, including projects for artists and scholars. "They are now safe and are expected to return to France within a few hours," he stated.

Diplomatic staff have already notified Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, warning that this "unacceptable" incident will not go without consequences. It should be noted that relations between the two sides are already strained, with France maintaining sanctions against Iran due to its nuclear program and its destabilizing role in the region.