Iran Condemns France's Expulsion of Diplomats as 'Illegal'

Iran's government has lodged a formal protest against France's expulsion of two Iranian diplomats, characterising the action as contrary to international conventions governing diplomatic relations. The escalating dispute stems from the detention of two French envoys in Tehran last July, after which Iranian authorities prevented them from resuming their postings in the country.

French officials responded to the Iranian ban by expelling an equivalent number of Iranian diplomats stationed in France, a reciprocal measure that triggered the Iranian condemnation. Tehran argues that Paris violated its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which sets standards for the treatment and movement of diplomatic personnel.

The diplomatic row underscores heightened tensions between Iran and Western nations over numerous geopolitical issues. France has not disclosed specific reasons for the arrest of its two diplomats, though the incident occurred during a period of strained relations between Tehran and several European governments.

Both nations have summoned each other's ambassadors to their respective foreign ministries to register formal complaints. The dispute comes as Iran continues to face international criticism over its human rights record and nuclear programme, while seeking to maintain diplomatic channels with European counterparts.