Iran allows 2 French former detainees to leave country

Iran has allowed two French former detainees, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, to leave the country, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday. They had been holed up in French diplomatic premises there since their release from prison.

“Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris are free and en route towards French territory, after three and a half years of detention in Iran,” Macron posted on social media.

The green light for them to leave Iran, long sought by France, signalled how Iran is differentiating between nations, treating some favourably and others as foes, in the context of the Iran war.

Macron has distanced France from the conflict, saying his country wasn’t consulted in advance about the US-Israel strikes and did not want the war.

Macron thanked Oman for playing a mediation role in the release of Kohler and Paris. “It’s a relief for us all and obviously for their families,” Macron wrote.