Paris: France's top asylum court has suspended appeals from Iranian and Lebanese nationals, citing deteriorating security conditions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, its president announced Tuesday. The National Court of Asylum (CNDA) said the decision, taken "around ten days ago," is intended to avoid the risk of rejecting applications in a context of escalating regional violence.

According to Anadolu Agency, the CNDA is tasked with reviewing cases rejected at first instance by the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra). The court's suspension aims to allow for a reassessment of claims in line with evolving security conditions in both countries.

CNDA President Thomas Andrieu stated that European law permits the granting of protection to individuals from areas affected by "indiscriminate violence," where civilians face generalized risks regardless of their personal situation. The suspension is designed to ensure that applicants are not denied protection prematurely, given the volatile situation on the ground.

The crisis has been exacerbated by military actions, with the US and Israel conducting airstrikes on Iran since February 28, resulting in over 1,340 deaths, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Tehran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries housing US military assets. These retaliatory strikes have caused casualties, infrastructure damage, and disrupted global markets and aviation.

Tensions further increased on March 2 when Israel expanded military operations in Lebanon. This included airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and areas in the south and east, followed by a limited ground incursion in the south on March 3.