Iran detains two French diplomats on espionage charges

PARIS, France — TEHRAN — Iran's Intelligence Ministry said on Saturday that two French diplomats had been detained as part of an investigation into an espionage and interference project. The ministry said the diplomats had previously violated Iranian law and their diplomatic obligations. According to the statement, the signature of a former French ambassador in Tehran was identified on documents seized in connection with the alleged espionage project. The ministry said the identities of the detained diplomats had been confirmed and that the case had been referred to Iran's Foreign Ministry. Initial findings indicated that the project involved covert communications with individuals inside and outside Iran, surveillance of persons and the establishment of espionage networks, the ministry said. It added that the development had been formally communicated to Paris through diplomatic channels and that the French government had been asked for an official statement. Iranian authorities warned that they would take strict measures if what they described as interference and breaches of diplomatic duties were repeated. No further details were immediately available.