BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 15. Iran’s Intelligence Ministry has accused two French diplomats of involvement in what it described as an “infiltration and interference” operation inside the country.
In a statement carried by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, the ministry alleged that the two diplomats were discovered at a secret meeting location while Iranian authorities were investigating two other suspects.
The ministry claimed that documents seized during the investigation indicated efforts to identify individuals, establish covert contacts and develop networks both inside and outside Iran.
Iranian authorities further alleged that contracts connected to the purported operation carried the signature of France’s former ambassador to Iran.
The accusations come amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western countries and growing scrutiny of foreign diplomatic activity inside the country.
However, the Iranian Intelligence Ministry did not provide publicly verifiable evidence to substantiate the alleged French operation. Al Jazeera said it was unable to independently verify the claims.
The allegations could further strain relations between Tehran and Paris, particularly if Iranian authorities take legal or diplomatic action against the French diplomats.
