Brussels cites Vienna Convention while Tehran rejects claims and summons French ambassador
BRUSSELS: The European Union has condemned what it described as the “aggression” against two French diplomats in Tehran, urging Iran to uphold its international obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc “unequivocally condemns” the alleged incident, which she said occurred on July 19.
Kallas described the reported actions as a blatant violation of international diplomatic norms, warning that such incidents undermine the conduct of diplomatic relations. The EU also expressed solidarity with France and called on Iranian authorities to investigate the matter and hold those responsible accountable.
France alleges diplomats were detained
The EU statement followed remarks by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who said two French diplomats had returned to Paris after what he described as an “extremely serious” and “premeditated” incident.
According to Barrot, Iranian security personnel allegedly detained the diplomats at a private location for nearly four hours without allowing them access to communication devices or contact with the French Embassy.
French officials characterised the incident as an attack on diplomatic personnel and raised concerns over compliance with international diplomatic protections.
Iran rejects allegations
Iranian authorities denied the French allegations and summoned France’s ambassador in Tehran over what they described as interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the French side, rather than Iran, owed an apology. He accused the two diplomats of conducting activities beyond the scope of their diplomatic mission and argued that their actions were not protected under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Baghaei also criticised what he described as French activities carried out under the banner of promoting human rights and supporting civil society, calling them unacceptable interference.
The exchange has further strained relations between Tehran and Paris, with both governments maintaining sharply different accounts of the incident. Neither side’s allegations has been independently verified, and no joint investigation has been announced.
