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France Denies Blocking Iranian Rally After Paris Police CancelFrance Denies Blocking Iranian Rally After Paris Police Cancel

6/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

France’s foreign ministry publicly refuted claims that it tried to block the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) rally in Paris.
The NCRI said Paris police cancelled its Saturday rally.
The ministry added that Minister Jean-Noël Barrot neither mentioned the protest nor requested its cancellation.
The NCRI linked the cancellation to a Thursday phone call between Barrot and Iran’s ambassador Abbas Araqchi.

History

Historical Context

After the 1979 Iranian Revolution toppled Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and installed Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, millions fled and formed exile groups such as the National Council of Resistance of Iran, founded in Paris in 1981. The NCRI rally in France was canceled, sparking a dispute between French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Iran’s ambassador Abbas Araqchi, echoing post-revolution diplomatic frictions.

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Story summary

France’s foreign ministry publicly refuted claims that it tried to block the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) rally in Paris.
The NCRI said Paris police cancelled its Saturday rally.
The ministry added that Minister Jean-Noël Barrot neither mentioned the protest nor requested its cancellation.
The NCRI linked the cancellation to a Thursday phone call between Barrot and Iran’s ambassador Abbas Araqchi.

1 / 2