France denounces the strikes by Iran and calls for the release of its detained nationals
France’s foreign affairs minister, Barrot, has condemned Iran’s regional strikes and urged the immediate release of detained nationals Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris.
On Wednesday, France’s foreign affairs minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, engaged in discussions with his Iranian counterpart, denouncing Iran’s recent strikes on neighboring countries in response to retaliatory attacks by the US and Israel.
During the call, Barrot highlighted “France’s commitment to stability in the Middle East, to de-escalation, and to the resumption of a demanding diplomatic dialogue, in compliance with international law, within which the use of force must be framed,” as stated by France’s foreign affairs ministry on Thursday.
He expressed “France’s ongoing concern” regarding the situation of French nationals detained in Iran. Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris were among those held for over three years on espionage charges before their release from an Iranian prison in November, after which they were transferred to the French Residence in Tehran.
Barrot urged for their prompt and unconditional release and reiterated the total and unchanging determination of the French authorities to achieve this goal, the ministry stated.
Earlier this week, the families of Kohler and Paris conveyed significant concern for their safety, stating they were “very worried” due to bombings near the French embassy.
