Iran detains two French diplomats in foreign interference probe

Iran's Intelligence Ministry said on Saturday that two French diplomats were briefly detained while it carried out a judicial order to arrest two suspects in a probe into foreign infiltration and interference, state news agency IRNA reported. The diplomats were handed over to the French ambassador under diplomatic police escort after their identities were verified.

The ministry said authorities were examining documents and evidence seized from the site. Officials claimed a preliminary review revealed details of an alleged foreign project to identify individuals, establish covert contacts and build secret networks. They further alleged that contracts linked to the project bore the signature of France's former ambassador to Iran, and demanded an explanation from Paris.

Iran warned that foreign diplomats would not be allowed to engage in activities it deems illegal or as interference in its internal affairs, especially during wartime. The incident comes amid strained ties; on August 13, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi criticised France and others for condemning alleged executions of protesters in Iran, accusing them of hypocrisy over support for Israel.