France Warns Iran After Embassy Staff Detained in Tehran

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the detention and interrogation of two French embassy staff members by Iranian security services in Tehran on Sunday evening. Barrot described the incident as a flagrant violation of diplomatic immunity and an extremely serious act of intimidation.

The two officials, who managed programs supporting Iranian artists, scientists, and civil society, were detained for several hours without explanation. During the interrogation, one staff member was physically assaulted. Both individuals eventually returned to the French embassy and are expected to depart for France.

Barrot communicated a formal protest to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, stating that the violation of the integrity of French agents could not go without consequences. Iranian authorities have not publicly commented on the allegations. This diplomatic row takes place against a backdrop of broader tensions, including European Union sanctions on the Iranian nuclear program and reports of conflict between Iran and the United States.