Iran says two French diplomats detained on charges of interfering in internal affairs

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's Intelligence Ministry said two French diplomats were detained on charges of meddling in the country's internal affairs. The ministry said a signature belonging to a former French ambassador was found on documents linked to what it described as a wide-ranging espionage project. According to the ministry, preliminary investigations uncovered a broad scheme that envisaged secret contacts with elements inside and outside Iran and the creation of espionage networks. The statement did not name the diplomats or specify when they were taken into custody. The ministry said the two French diplomats were found at a clandestine meeting location during the enforcement of a court order for the detention of two suspects in what it called a major foreign-linked infiltration and meddling case. It added that Paris bears responsibility for France's "illegal and interventionist actions" and said it expects an official response from the French government. France's foreign ministry had not publicly responded by the time of the announcement. No further details on the case or the diplomats' status were immediately available.