France urges Iran to drop espionage charges against detained nationals

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed deep concern over Iran’s decision to indict two French nationals on charges of espionage for Israel.

Describing the move as a “provocation” and “an unacceptable act of hostility,” Macron warned that France may consider “retaliatory measures” if the charges are not dropped, Caliber.Az reports, citing French media.

“The response will not be long in coming,” he stated during remarks on Thursday, adding that he plans to raise the issue directly with Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, shortly.

The two French citizens were detained in Tehran under accusations which French officials have rejected as baseless.

The Iranian government has not publicly commented in detail on the indictments, but maintains that the legal process is proceeding according to national law.

French citizens Cécile Kohler (40), a literature teacher, and her partner Jacques Paris (72), a retired math teacher, were arrested in Iran during a tourist visit in May 2022.

They were initially held in Tehran’s Evin Prison, where state TV broadcast forced “confessions” alleging espionage for France.

After a June 2025 Israeli airstrike damaged Evin, they were transferred to another facility and visited by a French diplomat on May 30, providing families proof they’re alive.

In early July 2025, they were formally charged with spying for Mossad, conspiracy to overthrow the regime, and “corruption on Earth”—all capital offences.

The French government denounces these accusations as “unjustified and unfounded,” has filed a case at the International Court of Justice, and demands their immediate release.

By Aghakazim Guliyev