Iran Says Activities of Two French Diplomats Constituted ‘Unacceptable Interference’

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has said the activities of two French diplomats in Tehran amounted to “unacceptable interference” in Iran’s internal affairs. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Baghaei said Iran acted after determining that the French Embassy had exceeded its diplomatic responsibilities and violated principles outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The two French diplomats were briefly detained in Tehran last month after reportedly being found at a meeting linked to a security investigation. Baghaei said Iran had formally notified France that the diplomats must leave the country and would not be permitted to return. He stressed that relations between countries, including Iran and France, must be based on mutual respect and adherence to international law.

Baghaei described the French diplomats’ activities as unjustifiable and said Iran’s measures were lawful and consistent with international regulations. He warned that similar actions could negatively affect the continuation of relations between Tehran and Paris, adding that Iran would issue warnings or take necessary measures whenever foreign countries crossed what it considers acceptable diplomatic boundaries.