PARIS — France has warned that there will be consequences after two employees of its embassy in Tehran were detained for several hours by Iranian security services in what Paris described as a serious and unacceptable incident.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the two embassy officials were detained without explanation, questioned by Iranian authorities, and subjected to intimidation before being released and allowed to return to the embassy.
Barrot condemned the incident as a violation of diplomatic norms and said France would respond, although he did not immediately announce what measures Paris may take against Tehran.
The detention has increased tensions between France and Iran, which have already experienced strained relations over several diplomatic disputes, including issues involving French citizens previously detained in Iran and disagreements over regional security matters.
French officials said the safety and protection of diplomatic personnel remain a priority, stressing that embassy staff must be able to carry out their duties without interference or intimidation.
The Iranian authorities have not immediately provided a detailed public explanation for the detention, and no official response has been issued addressing France’s accusations.
Analysts say the incident could further complicate diplomatic relations between Tehran and European governments at a time when tensions in the Middle East remain high, with disputes involving security, regional influence, and international diplomacy continuing to shape relations between Iran and Western countries.
