Hey readers! Big news on the diplomacy front: Iran and France are almost set to swap prisoners in a deal that's reached its final stretch 🤝.
On Thursday, Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi announced in a TV interview that talks are "approaching the final stages." The swap would free two French detainees in Iran—Cecile Kohler, 40, and Jacques Paris, in his 70s—accused of spying for Israel. In return, Iran would get back Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian woman arrested in France in February over social media posts deemed "terrorism promotion."
Families of Kohler and Paris have been calling this a nightmare, describing days of uncertainty and worry. Their case even landed in the International Court of Justice as France urges Tehran to respect human rights and due process.
There's another twist: a Franco-German teen on a Europe-to-Asia cycling trip vanished in Iran on June 16—that person turned out to be detained too. It highlights how high-stakes diplomacy can impact everyday adventurers!
This near-swap is a classic example of behind-the-scenes negotiations shaping global relations. Stay tuned as we track the final steps of this prisoner exchange saga 🌍✨.
Reference(s):
Iranian FM says prisoner swap deal with France nearing completion
cgtn.com
