Iran warned France that expelling two Iranian diplomats could severely damage long-standing diplomatic relations between Tehran and Paris. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei criticized the French government’s recent retaliatory measures as completely unjustifiable and destructive.
This sharp exchange highlights growing friction between the two nations following mutual allegations of internal political interference. Official Iranian sources confirmed that authorities ordered two French diplomats to leave Tehran on August 18. Officials barred the individuals from returning after accusing them of violating international diplomatic standards.
Iran’s Intelligence Ministry reported that the French personnel attended a secret meeting in July. Authorities claimed that the gathering involved individuals linked to an ongoing foreign infiltration investigation within the country. Furthermore, Iranian officials emphasized that diplomats must respect the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Tehran took immediate action because French authorities failed to address these serious compliance concerns. Baghaei asserted that Iran acted strictly within its legal rights under established international treaty rules. However, France responded rapidly by expelling two Iranian diplomats, which sharply escalated the ongoing dispute.
Baghaei reiterated that future bilateral cooperation requires strict mutual respect and total non-interference in domestic matters. Additionally, Western analysts note that this dispute severely complicates fragile nuclear and regional security negotiations. European diplomats currently face increasing challenges in maintaining functional communication channels with Iranian leadership.
Both governments maintain firm positions, leaving the diplomatic situation in a delicate balance. Observers anticipate further political strain as both nations evaluate their next official foreign policy moves. Ultimately, this confrontation threatens to derail future economic and political engagement between the two nations.