[REVISION HISTORY]

France diplomatic protests over interference

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2026-08-19 06:25 UTC → 2026-08-20 22:29 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In late July 2026, two separate diplomatic rows underscored mounting tensions between France and other states over alleged interference. On 24 July, Tunisia’s foreign ministry summoned French Ambassador Anne Guéguen after France 24 aired an interview with former president Moncef Marzouki, who is wanted in Tunisia for attacks on state security. President Kaïs Saïed denounced the broadcast as an ‘unacceptable interference’ that threatened Tunisian sovereignty. A few days later, on 27 July, Iran summoned French Ambassador Pierre Cochard following the brief detention of two French diplomats in Tehran. France’s foreign minister described the episode as an ‘extremely serious intimidation,’ alleging that one diplomat was molested and that they were questioned about work with Iranian civil-society actors. Iran characterised the questioning as routine and denied wrongdoing. By 15 August, the situation with Iran escalated as the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence claimed the diplomats were encountered during a raid on a secret meeting. Iranian authorities alleged that seized documents suggested a project aimed at ‘creating influence, external interference, and paving the way for activities against Iran’s independence.’ Officials further claimed that the signatures of France’s former ambassador to Tehran were found on some of the seized materials. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the incident as a ‘shocking’ and ‘unacceptable’ violation of diplomatic immunity. On 17 August, the dispute intensified as Iran officially barred the two diplomats from re-entering the country, declaring them ‘unwanted persons.’ In retaliation, France announced it would expel two Iranian diplomats. Iranian spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the diplomats' activities in support of civil society were an admission of their breach of international law. By 19 August, tensions continued to rise as France prepared reciprocal measures following the expulsion.

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