Iran FM protests French diplomats' conduct in phone call with French counterpart

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi protested the 'unconventional' conduct of two French diplomats during a telephone conversation with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot on Tuesday. The discussion covered the latest bilateral, regional, and international developments, according to Iran's Foreign Ministry as reported by Press TV.

Araghchi argued that the actions of the two French diplomats were incompatible with accepted diplomatic standards. He emphasized that compliance with the laws and regulations of the host country, as well as internationally recognized diplomatic principles, is essential for the continued operation of foreign diplomatic missions. The Iranian foreign minister urged the French government to take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The diplomatic exchange follows statements issued Monday by French Foreign Minister Barrot, who alleged that two French diplomats in Tehran had been detained and mistreated. Barrot claimed the diplomats were responsible for promoting cultural exchanges with the Iranian public and academic community. France's Foreign Ministry also summoned Iran's chargé d'affaires in Paris on Tuesday in connection with the incident.

During the conversation, Araghchi also addressed broader regional tensions, stating that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a direct consequence of the United States' failure to uphold its commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and its subsequent actions, which had undermined diplomacy and regional stability. He added that responsibility for the consequences of the situation rested with the party that had departed from its commitments and pursued unilateral policies.

According to Mehr News, the phone call highlighted ongoing tensions between Iran and France over diplomatic conduct, as well as broader regional issues involving the United States.