Non-essential diplomatic personnel from the French embassy in Tehran have left Iran due to the unrest shaking the country. These staff departed in two waves on commercial flights on Sunday and Monday, according to informed sources. The embassy remains open and operational, with the ambassador on site.
Non-essential diplomatic personnel from the French embassy in Tehran have left Iranian territory due to the current unrest, AFP learned Monday evening from two informed sources. These staff evacuated in two waves, on Sunday and Monday, via commercial flights, without specifying their number.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that 'the embassy's format has been reconfigured to enable it to carry out its missions in the local context.' The protection of agents and French nationals remains a priority. Normally, the embassy has around thirty expatriates and several dozen local staff. 'Our embassy is open and operational. The ambassador is on site with the team. We provide the services needed by our compatriots in Iran,' the ministry added.
This departure occurs amid a popular protest movement in Iran since late December. Triggered on December 28 in Tehran by merchants against the cost of living, it has spread to poor western regions and now targets the power led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It is the most significant since the protests following Mahsa Amini's death in September 2022. The crackdown has caused over 600 deaths since the start, according to an NGO.
In Paris, Emmanuel Macron condemned the 'state violence' against protesters. London denounced the 'horrible' repression, and the European Union is considering new, harsher sanctions. Iranian authorities are organizing pro-regime rallies, such as thousands at Revolution Square in Tehran, called by President Massoud Pezeshkian.
Europe is showing restraint, with France particularly sparing its words due to two hostages still held in Tehran, as well as other geopolitical reasons.