Tehran:Iran summoned the French ambassador to its Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, criticizing France's response to recent student protests.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that the summons was due to the French government's "violent handling of student protests" and alleged "widespread human rights violations."

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, accused France of double standards. He highlighted France's calls for restraint toward Iranian protesters in January, contrasting it with its own response to high school protests. Baqaei emphasized that the definition of human rights should remain consistent regardless of location.

The protests in France, which began in late September, focus on grievances about staff shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate school facilities. These student-led demonstrations have spread to various cities and have sometimes escalated into violence, with incidents of fires, property damage, and attacks reported.

In a related development, Iran executed two protesters on Monday for their alleged involvement in the killing of police officers during anti-government protests in January. The Iranian protests, which began on December 28, 2025, were initially sparked by economic grievances but evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations.

The unrest in Iran intensified in early January, with deadly clashes between protesters and security forces, leading to a nationwide internet shutdown. Reports of deaths and arrests vary significantly between authorities and rights groups.