Tehran: Iran’s Intelligence Ministry announced on Saturday that two French diplomats were detained over alleged foreign interference during a national security investigation before being handed over to the French ambassador.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry stated that intelligence units encountered the diplomats while executing a judicial order to arrest two suspects as part of an investigation into foreign influence and interference. After confirming their identities, Iranian authorities informed the Foreign Ministry before transferring the diplomats to the French ambassador under diplomatic police escort.

The ministry revealed that initial examinations of documents and materials seized at the arrest site suggested a ‘large-scale project aimed at building influence, foreign interference, and creating conditions for activities targeting Iran’s independence.’ Additionally, the signature of France’s former ambassador to Tehran was reportedly found on some of the seized documents.

The Intelligence Ministry emphasized that individuals with diplomatic status would not be permitted to engage in illegal activities, warning of potential actions against those responsible if similar incidents occur in the future. Furthermore, it urged the French government to be accountable for what it described as interference by its diplomats.

The investigation is ongoing, and the ministry promised to release more details at a later date. Paris has not yet commented on the Iranian claims.