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Iran Bars Two French Embassy Employees From Returning

8/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Iran announced that two French embassy employees will not be allowed to return to Iran.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the pair violated the Vienna Convention by supporting civil society, and that acknowledging their work admits a breach.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the employees were tasked with developing programs for Iranian civil society, students and artists, and claimed France does the most for that sector.

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Story summary

Iran announced that two French embassy employees will not be allowed to return to Iran.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the pair violated the Vienna Convention by supporting civil society, and that acknowledging their work admits a breach.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the employees were tasked with developing programs for Iranian civil society, students and artists, and claimed France does the most for that sector.