Iran: an ultra conservative newspaper proposes to question the present French in the country about his support for Israel

“Stop” or “expel.” The Iranian ultraconservative newspaper Kayhan, known for its hostility towards the West, urged French citizens in Iran in the conflict in Gaza on Saturday, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31 and expel those who support Israel. The Daily does not reflect Iran’s official position, although its director is appointed by the Iranian Supreme Guide, Ayatolá Ali Khamenei.

This suggestion comes in a context of strong tensions between Tehran and Paris. The newspaper evokes the case of Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian arrested in France at the end of February due to the apology of terrorism.

“The prosecutor of Paris announced that his crime should have supported (verbally!) The people of Gaza,” writes Kayhan, urging the Iranian authorities to “take reprisals (by asking the French citizens present in Iran if they condemn the crimes” of Israel to Gaza.

“If your answer is negative, stop them to support the crimes of the Zionist regime, and if religious principles do not allow them to imprison them, expel these people at least,” adds everyday life.

“Arbitrary detention risks”

Iran does not recognize Israel, qualified as envy by its leaders as a “Zionist regime”, and has supported the Palestinian cause one of the pillars of its foreign policy, since the advent of the Islamic Republic in 1979. France has urged its citizens not to go to Iran due to “arrest and arrest arrest risks.”

Dos French, Cécile Kohler, a teacher and his partner, Jacques Paris, have been imprisoned in Tehran for more than three years. Detained during a tourist stay, they are accused of Iran of “espionage.” His entourage rejects these accusations.

France announced in mid -May a complaint against Iran before the International Court of Justice (CIJ) for its detention conditions considered unworthy by Paris. Tehran, who said he was “surprised” for this approach, denounced “instrumentalization.”

Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris are officially the last two French arrested in Iran. Between 2023 and 2025, at least five French were released, after months or years of detention.

European Foreign Ministry and NGOs accuse Tehran of practicing “hostage diplomacy” to obtain concessions. Iran argues that any arrest is “in accordance with the law.”