France bans Iran opposition rally hours before start, citing intelligence warning

PARIS, France — French authorities canceled a large opposition rally planned by the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran for June 20, Reuters reported, hours before it was due to begin. Paris police cited a highly tense national and international environment and the risk of potential violence. According to a French intelligence assessment cited by Reuters, a "battle of influence" is escalating between the council, the political wing of the Mujahedin-e Khalq organization, and Iranian groups supporting Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former shah. The assessment noted that a pro-monarchy activist had called for blocking the Mujahedin-e Khalq rally after making threatening remarks toward French officials. The demonstration was expected to draw Kurdish, Arab and Baluchi groups, along with tribes, communist and socialist organizations. Tehran has long banned the council in Iran and has pressed Paris, Washington and Riyadh to curb its activities.