France to expel two Iranian diplomats in retaliatory measure
France announced its decision to expel two Iranian diplomats, a move confirmed by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. This action is in response to Iran's refusal to allow two French diplomats to return to Iran after their arrest in Tehran on July 19. The French diplomats were briefly detained and interrogated, with Paris describing it as an intimidation tactic by Iranian security services. France stated the diplomats were questioned regarding their support for Iranian civil society, with one serving as a cultural attaché. Tehran, however, claims the diplomats were briefly interrogated after meeting individuals sought by authorities. The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence accused France of a broad project to increase its influence and undermine Iran's independence, accusations Paris categorically denies. The Iranian ambassador to France was summoned to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be formally notified of the expulsion decision. This incident occurs amid ongoing concerns for two Iranian graphic designers, Aria Kasaei and Elly Naghilou, arrested in Tehran on the same day as the French diplomats. They were reportedly working on the visual identity for Villa Zadig, an artistic exchange program supported by the French embassy's cultural service. While Jean-Noël Barrot did not directly address their situation in his announcement, he reaffirmed France's support for Iranian artists, scientists, and researchers. Franc