French citizens Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who were held in Iran and then assigned to the French embassy in Tehran after their release from detention in November, are now free and on their way to France.
The announcement was made this Tuesday by the president Emmanuel Macron on the social network X. The head of state indicated that the two French nationals were "free and on their way to French territory"marking a new decisive step after many months of uncertainty.
A departure at dawn under diplomatic convoy
The two former prisoners departed at dawn on Tuesday. They left Iranian territory accompanied by the French ambassador to Iran, as part of a diplomatic convoy.
This departure from Iran appears to be the culmination of a particularly sensitive phase, as Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris were still at the French embassy in Tehran after their release from detention. Their transfer out of the country was the most anticipated step before their actual return to France.
A stopover in Azerbaijan before returning
After leaving Iran, the two French nationals were in Azerbaijan on Tuesday. This intermediate step confirms that their departure from Iranian territory has indeed taken place and that their return to France is now underway.
The transit through Azerbaijan is part of a security plan for the journey, in a particularly delicate diplomatic context. It also allows the two former detainees to be removed from the area of tension before their arrival on French soil.
A highly anticipated conclusion
This development represents a major relief for their loved ones as well as for the French authorities, who have been working on this sensitive case for many months.
The announcement of their release and their actual departure from Iran brings to a close a period of waiting marked by high tensions and great diplomatic caution. Their imminent arrival in France should conclude a trying episode, closely followed by public opinion and political leaders.
