Iran Detains Two French Diplomats Over Alleged Espionage, Demands Paris Clarify

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry confirmed it has detained two French diplomats, accusing them of interference in the country’s internal affairs. The ministry stated that investigators found the signature of France’s former ambassador to Iran on documents linked to an alleged espionage project.

Scope of the Alleged Espionage Operation

According to a ministry statement, preliminary investigations uncovered a broad-based espionage initiative involving clandestine communications with individuals both inside and outside Iran, as well as the establishment of covert intelligence networks. The ministry asserted that “France bears responsibility for its unlawful and interventionist actions” and formally demanded official clarifications from Paris.

Details of the Detention

The ministry explained that the two diplomats were discovered “illegally present at a secret meeting location” during the execution of a judicial arrest order targeting two suspects in a high-priority case involving foreign infiltration and interference. It added that both diplomats have prior records of violating Iranian domestic laws and diplomatic obligations. After verifying their identities, Iranian authorities notified the country’s Foreign Ministry and transferred the two individuals to the Iranian ambassador to France, with diplomatic police present.

Evidence Cited by Tehran

The statement accused the French side of generating media noise to obscure the violations committed. It reiterated that initial findings revealed planning for a large-scale operation aimed at infiltration and foreign interference, designed to undermine national independence through surveillance, secret contacts, and the formation of covert networks operating with elements loyal to foreign powers. The ministry specifically noted the appearance of the former French ambassador to Iran’s signature on seized agreements and documents tied to the alleged project, and stressed that “Paris must provide a clear explanation and assume responsibility for its unlawful acts.”

The ministry concluded its statement with an explicit warning: it will not tolerate any interventionist conduct by diplomats and warned it would impose deterrent measures should such violations recur.