Overview

• France officially filed a complaint at the International Court of Justice, alleging Iran's breach of consular protection obligations for two detained French nationals.
• Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, arrested in May 2022 on espionage charges, remain imprisoned in Tehran's Evin Prison under severe conditions described as akin to torture.
• The detainees have had only four consular visits in three years and are subjected to isolation, constant light, and limited exercise.
• Paris's legal move coincides with ongoing nuclear negotiations in Turkey between Iranian officials and their European counterparts, including France.
• European governments accuse Iran of using 'hostage diplomacy' to pressure Western nations in stalled nuclear and sanctions discussions.