EU and France Condemn Iran for Abusing French Diplomats

The European Union and France have condemned the aggression and intimidation of two French diplomats by Iranian security forces in Tehran on July 19. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas characterized the incident as a blatant violation of the Vienna Conventions that jeopardizes the conduct of diplomatic relations.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reported that the diplomats were detained for several hours without reason and interrogated. According to Barrot, one of the officials suffered physical abuse during the detention.

In response to the condemnation, the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the French ambassador on July 28. Iranian officials alleged that the diplomats had interfered in internal affairs under the pretext of engaging with civil society.