Media: France pulls non‑essential embassy staff from Iran amid protests

Non-essential staff at the French embassy in Iran have left the country, according to two sources familiar with the situation who spoke to Agence France-Presse (AFP) on January 11, amid a crackdown on protests by the country’s authorities.

The personnel departed on January 11-12, the sources added, though they did not specify the number of people who left.

"The embassy's structure has been reconfigured to allow it to handle its duties in the local context," the French foreign ministry told AFP, adding: "The protection of our personnel and our citizens is a priority."

The embassy in Tehran typically employs around 30 expatriates along with several dozen local staff members.

"Our embassy is open and functioning. The ambassador is there, with his team. We are handling the services needed by our nationals who might be in Iran," the foreign ministry said.

France’s precaution comes as both internet and regular telecommunications remain cut off across Iran, with security forces deployed by the cleric-led authorities to suppress the protests.

Iran has experienced waves of protests since December 28, 2025, when demonstrations began at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, fuelled by the sharp depreciation of the rial and deteriorating economic conditions. The unrest has since spread to multiple cities across the country.

No official casualty numbers have been released, but HRANA, a US-based human rights organisation, estimates that at least 544 people have died, including both security personnel and protesters, with more than 1,000 others injured.

HRANA also reported that at least 10,681 individuals have been detained in connection with the protests, occurring in 585 locations across 186 cities in all 31 provinces.

By Jeyhun Aghazada