Iran and France Exchange Diplomatic Summons Over Paris Student Protests

The French Foreign Ministry announced that it summoned Iran's ambassador in Paris today in retaliation for the summoning of the head of the French diplomatic mission in Tehran, following protests by school students in France.

In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry said: "At the direction of Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran was summoned today to the headquarters of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to the disinformation campaign launched by Iranian authorities regarding the movement of French high school students."

The ministry noted that the ambassador was informed that materials published by the Iranian Foreign Ministry regarding student protests were false, and that the summoning of the French ambassador had no justification.

The statement added: "The ambassador was informed of the total rejection of the false materials disseminated by official accounts of the Iranian Foreign Ministry online, as well as the lack of any justification for summoning the French ambassador in Tehran on October 6."

On Tuesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned Pierre Cochard, the French ambassador in Tehran, calling on the French government to respect fundamental human rights and the right of the French people to hold peaceful gatherings.

High school and university students in France continue their protests for the second consecutive week against overcrowded schedules, teacher shortages, and other issues in the education sector.

Some demonstrations witnessed riots. According to the latest data, more than 6,000 people have been detained during these protests, the vast majority of whom are minors.