France says Iran sanctions hinge on release of detained citizens

France said Thursday that any decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran will depend on whether Tehran releases two French nationals accused of spying for 'Israel'.

“Freeing Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris is an absolute priority for us,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. “We have consistently told our Iranian counterparts that any decisions regarding sanctions will be conditional on resolving this issue.”

Kohler and Paris were arrested in Iran in 2022 and have been charged with espionage, allegations that the French government has firmly denied.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and European governments, and growing pressure within the EU to take a tougher stance on Iran’s domestic repression and foreign activities.