Tensions escalate: France to expel two Iranian diplomats from its territory

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot declared two staff members of Iran's embassy in France as persona non grata, following the detention of two French diplomats in Tehran last month. The decision was conveyed to Iran's ambassador, who was summoned for a meeting. The French Foreign Ministry described the attack as a 'blatant violation of international law'. Barrot wrote that the diplomats were attacked on July 19, and that the decision would have consequences.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced today (Tuesday) that two staff members of Iran's embassy in France have been declared persona non grata, a step that marks an escalation in relations between the two countries. The decision came in response to the detention of two French diplomats in Tehran last month, and was conveyed to Iran's ambassador, who was summoned for a meeting at the French Foreign Ministry. In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry sharply criticized Iran, describing it as having committed a 'blatant violation of international law and the Vienna Conventions'. Barrot wrote on his X account that the Iranian people are the 'main victims' of the current period of tension, and that the two French diplomats were attacked in an 'outrageous and deliberate manner' on July 19. The French diplomats were arrested by Iranian security forces and held for several hours without the ability to contact the outside world. After returning to France, Iran declared them persona non grata. The French measure is expected to take effect in the coming days.