Beirut: Iran announced on Monday that it has summoned the French ambassador, citing concerns over what it perceives as 'interference' by French diplomats in its internal affairs.

According to Anadolu Agency, at a recent news conference, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the ambassador was summoned on Sunday. Baghaei emphasized that France should cease actions under 'misleading labels,' such as 'promoting human rights' and 'supporting civil society.' He further remarked that 'the party that should apologize to Iran is the French side.'

Baghaei accused two French diplomats of engaging in activities 'under the cover of a diplomatic mission and the embassy' and claimed these actions were not justifiable under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

In reaction, the French Foreign Ministry maintained: 'The facts are clear. We refer you to our previous statements on this matter. We do not comment on Iranian provocations.'

Last Thursday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot noted that two French diplomats, who were 'attacked' in Iran, have since returned to Paris. Barrot described the incident as 'extremely serious' and 'premeditated,' noting that the diplomats were left 'under shock' after being 'brutally arrested in a private place' by Iranian security officers. The diplomats were reportedly 'detained for nearly four hours' without access to communication devices or the embassy and experienced 'intimidation.'