Iran and France might soon free each other’s detainees 🤝 In a recent televised interview, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed that a prisoner swap deal with France is closing in on completion.
The proposed exchange would see Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian woman arrested in France this February on charges of promoting terrorism online, returned to Iran. In return, Iran would release two French nationals — Cecile Kohler, 40, and Jacques Paris, in his 70s — detained since May 2022 on espionage allegations.
'We have carried out a great deal of activity, and I can now say that we have reached the point where the exchange of the French prisoners in Iran is now approaching its final stages,' said Araghchi, without providing further details. 🕊️
France has already brought a case against Tehran at the International Court of Justice, urging the release of Kohler and Paris. Their families describe their situation as increasingly desperate, with limited contact and mounting uncertainty.
The swap also touches on the case of a Franco-German teenager who vanished in Iran last June while cycling from Europe to Asia, later confirmed to be in detention. His fate has added urgency to diplomatic efforts.
As both sides move closer to sealing the deal, this high-stakes diplomatic chess match could bring relief to families and a rare moment of cooperation between Iran and France. Stay tuned for updates! 🌍✨
Reference(s):
Iranian FM says prisoner swap deal with France nearing completion
cgtn.com
