The French government is preparing to take Iran to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the detention of two French citizens. These individuals, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, have been held in Iran since May 2022.

In late 2022, Iranian state television aired a video where they appeared to confess to working for French intelligence. However, Paris has denied these claims. They are currently being held in Tehran’s Evin prison, and France has accused Iran of keeping them in conditions similar to torture.

French officials have become more vocal about Iran, criticizing its nuclear program, regional activities, and the detention of European citizens. Following a special cabinet meeting on Iran, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that France is preparing to file a case at the ICJ over the violation of consular protection rights.

Foreign ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine confirmed at a press conference that France is working on the complaint, which will soon be submitted to the court.