Two French citizens, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, were allowed to leave Iran on Tuesday following more than three years of detention, in a move reflecting France’s cautious approach amid the ongoing regional conflict.
The pair had been held in Iran since 2022 on spying charges, which France consistently denied, and were confined to the French embassy in Tehran since November. Their release was facilitated by mediation from Omani authorities.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the development as a relief for families and expressed gratitude for the mediation efforts. The details of the negotiations remain largely undisclosed, though Iranian state media reported that their release was linked to the earlier release of Iranian student Mahdieh Esfandiari in France and the withdrawal of a complaint at the International Court of Justice.
Esfandiari, convicted in February for glorifying terrorism in social media posts, had served nearly a year in prison and had appealed her conviction. It remains unclear if she had left France as required under the ruling.
France’s Diplomatic Position
Macron has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s handling of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, emphasizing that France would support reopening the Strait of Hormuz only after a ceasefire and consultation with Tehran. Last week, France denied Israel permission to transport weapons through its airspace and played a key role in weakening a U.N. Security Council draft resolution that might have authorized military measures in the Strait.
French officials have rejected claims that France has softened its stance toward Iran, stating that warnings about the safety of French citizens were issued amid rising tensions. A French official indicated that Tehran was likely aware that any harm to French nationals would trigger severe diplomatic consequences.
The incident also highlights Iran’s selective treatment of foreign shipping, as a French container ship from CMA CGM was recently allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that France is not currently seen as a hostile actor by Tehran.
This development marks a rare diplomatic success for France in the midst of escalating conflict in the region, while the broader international situation around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile.
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