France says conditions of citizens

7/1/2025 19:02

The situation of three French citizens held in Iran is worsening with some being detained in conditions similar to torture, France's foreign minister said on Tuesday, adding that future ties and any lifting of sanctions would depend on their fate.



French officials have toughened their language towards Iran in recent weeks, notably over the advancement of its nuclear programme and regional activities, but also the detention of European citizens in the country.



President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that Iran was "the main strategic and security challenge" for France and Europe, with Iran nearing the point of no-return on its nuclear programme.



Jean-Noel Barrot told a conference of French ambassadors, "The situation of our compatriots held hostage in Iran is simply unacceptable; they have been unjustly detained for several years, in undignified conditions that, for some, fall within the definition of torture under international law."



Diplomatic sources said there had been no progress in talks with Iran on its detention of French citizens and that Paris wanted to make it clear to Iran now that the issue was now directly linked to progress in other dossiers.