Iranian Intelligence: French Diplomats Detained on Charges of "Interfering in Internal Affairs"

Tehran – Agencies: Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence announced the detention of French diplomats on charges of interfering in the country’s internal affairs, citing the discovery of the signature of the former French ambassador in documents related to what it described as a spy project. The Iranian intelligence agency stated that preliminary investigations revealed a wide-ranging espionage project involving secret communications with elements inside and outside Iran, as well as the establishment of spy networks. In a statement, it added, “France bears responsibility for its illegal and interventionist actions, and we demand official clarifications from Paris.” The ministry clarified that, during the execution of a court order to arrest two suspects in a highly significant case of foreign hacking and interference, two French diplomats were found illegally present at the site of a secret meeting. It further stated that the diplomats in question had prior records of violating domestic laws and diplomatic obligations. After their identities were verified, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was notified, and they were handed over to Iran’s ambassador to France in the presence of diplomatic police.