Paris: France summoned Iran’s ambassador on Friday, raising strong objections over the detention of three French citizens, which its foreign ministry described as tantamount to torture under international law. The ministry labeled the detainees as “hostages of the state of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
“Their situation is unbearable, with undignified detention conditions that, for some, constitute torture under international law,” the ministry stated, emphasizing its continued advisory for French nationals to avoid travel to Iran.
The development comes amid France’s increasingly critical stance on Tehran over a range of issues, including its nuclear program, regional activities, and the detention of European citizens. French officials have linked progress in bilateral or multilateral talks with Iran to the release of the detained individuals.
In a related move, senior diplomats from France, Britain, and Germany are scheduled to meet their Iranian counterparts on Monday in Geneva to address bilateral concerns and the future of nuclear negotiations. These discussions gain heightened importance as Donald Trump is set to return to the White House on January 20.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot highlighted the deteriorating situation of the three detained French citizens earlier this week. “The situation of these hostages is worsening,” Barrot said, signaling an urgent need for diplomatic intervention.
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In recent years, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have arrested dozens of foreigners and dual nationals, often on charges of espionage and security-related offenses. Rights groups have criticized these actions, accusing Tehran of using the arrests to leverage concessions from other nations.
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Diplomatic sources indicate that approximately 20 European citizens from 10 countries are currently detained in Iran, underscoring the gravity of the issue for the broader European community.
