Iran and France exchange diplomatic summons over student protest handling

Diplomatic relations between France and Iran have escalated following a series of reciprocal summons involving their respective ambassadors.

On Tuesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned French Ambassador Pierre Cochard. Iranian officials, including Hamid Ahmadi, expressed concern over the treatment of student protesters in France, citing reports of excessive force, injuries, and more than 5,000 arrests. Iranian spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused France of a “double standard” regarding the right to protest. The unrest in France reportedly stems from grievances over education facilities and teacher shortages.

In response, France summoned Iran’s ambassador to Paris on Wednesday. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot characterized the move as a reaction to a “disinformation campaign” by Iranian authorities. French officials described the claims made by Iranian state accounts regarding the student protests as “absolutely unacceptable” and “false.” France also dismissed the summons of its own ambassador in Tehran as “unfounded” and “disgraceful provocations.”