Iran has cautioned that France’s decision to expel two Iranian diplomats risks damaging bilateral relations between Tehran and Paris, following a series of reciprocal diplomatic actions rooted in accusations of interference in each other’s internal affairs.
The dispute intensified after Iran’s Foreign Ministry declared two French diplomats working in Tehran persona non grata on August 18, barring their return to the country. Iranian authorities accused the diplomats of engaging in activities beyond their diplomatic mandate and violating international law. Iran’s Intelligence Ministry stated that the diplomats had attended a secret meeting in July involving individuals linked to a major case of “foreign infiltration and interference.” Tehran asserted that these actions breached the diplomats’ obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and Iranian law.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei described France’s subsequent expulsion of Iranian diplomats as “unjustifiable” and potentially harmful to the future of bilateral ties. He emphasized that relations between the two countries should be grounded in mutual respect, adherence to international law, and a commitment to non-interference in domestic affairs. Baqaei noted that Iran acted only after confirming that the French Embassy in Tehran had exceeded its authorized diplomatic scope and pointed out that France had not taken steps to address or prevent such activities when initially informed.
The Iranian response involved ordering two French diplomats to leave Iran, a move Baqaei maintained was consistent with international law. He further indicated that Tehran would continue to monitor and respond to actions it deems inappropriate or intrusive.
France’s retaliatory action intensified diplomatic tensions, with both sides enacting reciprocal measures against each other’s diplomats. Iran regards its measures as a lawful response to diplomatic violations, while cautioning that France’s expulsions could jeopardize ongoing diplomatic engagement. The evolving situation reflects the fragile state of Iran-France relations amid broader geopolitical sensitivities over issues of sovereignty and diplomatic conduct.