France summoned Iran’s ambassador on Friday to protest the harsh treatment of three French citizens currently detained in Iran, describing their conditions as “torture” under international law. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the “undignified detention” of the individuals, calling them “hostages of the state of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” France’s government reiterated its travel advisory for Iran, urging citizens to avoid visiting the country.
Tensions have grown between France and Iran over such issues as France’s objections toward Tehran’s nuclear programme, its activities in the region, and detention of European citizens there. Paris declared that there cannot be a break through with regards to negotiations held with Iran-the nuclear and other ones-for as long as European detainees will not be free.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot commented on Tuesday that the circumstances of the arrested citizens had gotten much worse over the past years. Iran has in recent times detained several dual and foreign nationals on charges related to espionage as well as to national security among others. Observers have largely accused Iran for using these arrest and detention activities to coerce countries into giving away political concessions.
This move by France precedes a key meeting on Monday in Geneva where senior diplomats from France, the UK, and Germany will sit down with Iranian officials to discuss bilateral relations and the future of nuclear negotiations, particularly with Donald Trump’s return to the White House on January 20.
According to sources, about 20 European nationals from different countries are reportedly being detained in Iran, which has raised growing concerns over the safety and well-being of foreign detainees in the country.
