WANA (Nov 05) – France’s Foreign Minister has stated that the conditional release of two French nationals from Iranian custody is unrelated to the Iranian nuclear file or sanctions relief, emphasizing that Paris continues to seek their full and unconditional freedom.

 

Speaking to French media on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and France’s Ambassador to Tehran, Pierre Cochard, confirmed that Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who had been detained in Iran on espionage charges, have been released on bail and are currently under the protection of the French Embassy in Tehran.

 

According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, the two French citizens were freed under judicial supervision and will remain under legal monitoring until further court proceedings. He described the development as a judicial decision based on their ongoing legal case.

 

Baghaei had earlier announced the conditional release of Iranian citizen Mahdieh Esfandiari, who had been detained in France for supporting Palestinians. She has been transferred from prison to supervised residence pending her trial.

 

“A Positive Step, but Only One Stage”

In remarks to RTL radio, Barrot said the two French nationals are currently “safe and under embassy protection,” calling the development “a very positive step” but stressing that it is not complete freedom:

 

“They cannot yet travel freely or return to France. We will continue our efforts tirelessly, carefully, and through diplomacy to achieve their full release.”

 

He confirmed the two remain inside the French Embassy and are not permitted to leave.

 

Diplomatic Contacts and Discretion

Barrot also confirmed that he spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, welcoming the move while reiterating France’s demand for immediate and unconditional release:

 

“Diplomacy sometimes requires discretion, and it was quiet diplomatic work that allowed this progress.”

 

No Link to Nuclear Talks or Sanctions

The French Foreign Minister rejected suggestions that the detainees’ release could signal a shift in France’s position on Iran’s nuclear program:

 

“These issues are entirely separate. Just last month, we supported reactivating UN sanctions targeting Iran’s arms, nuclear equipment, banking, and insurance sectors.”

 

He noted that lifting those sanctions would require full consensus in the UN Security Council, which is not currently under consideration.

 

Return to France May Take Time

Speaking to France Inter radio, Ambassador Cochard said: “They are currently safe on embassy grounds, which legally constitute French territory. We are continuing talks for their return, but realistically, it may take time—days, or potentially longer.”

 

He also confirmed that President Emmanuel Macron has spoken with the two released individuals.

Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris. Social media / WANA News Agency

Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris. Social media / WANA News Agency