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Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris Return to France After Years Detained in Iran

Omani mediation under U.S. pressure likely sped Iran’s decision.

Image
Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, French nationals who were freed by Iran after three and a half years in detention, speak to members of the media near French ambassador to Iran Pierre Cochard, as they are hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, April 8, 2026. REUTERS/Tom Nicholson/Pool
French President Emmanuel Macron holds a meeting of France's defence and security council following the Iran war ceasefire announcement and to address the return of Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, two French nationals freed by Iran after three and a half years in detention, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, April 8, 2026. REUTERS/Tom Nicholson/Pool
Cecile Kohler, 41, and Jacques Paris, 72, were arrested in Iran in May 2022

Overview

  • After leaving Tehran on Tuesday in a diplomatic convoy, the two landed in Paris on Wednesday morning and were due to see President Emmanuel Macron.
  • They were arrested in May 2022, convicted on espionage charges in a closed trial, and moved from Evin prison to the French embassy in November.
  • French officials said the pair transited through Baku, and Macron publicly thanked Oman for brokering their exit.
  • French diplomats linked the timing to U.S. threats over the Strait of Hormuz, saying that pressure probably pushed Tehran to let them go.
  • Iran’s IRNA said the move followed an understanding on Iranian student Mahdieh Esfandiari and France dropping an ICJ case, and her house arrest in France was lifted after the couple departed.