France’s decision came after Tehran barred two French diplomats from returning to Iran.
Speaking on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said France’s action was a response to what he described as a lawful decision by Iran.
“France’s action is an illegal measure in response to Iran’s lawful decision, and it does not contribute in any way to improving relations between the two countries,” Baqaei said.
Baqaei had earlier announced that two French diplomats who were briefly detained in Iran in July over what Tehran described as “interference in the country’s internal affairs” would not be allowed to return to the country.
Following Iran’s decision, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that two Iranian diplomats based in France would be expelled, a decision that was immediately implemented.
Barrot said the move was in response to what he described as the “unacceptable treatment” of the French diplomats who had been temporarily detained in Tehran.
Iran, however, has defended its decision and called on Paris to apologize over the actions of its diplomats.
Baqaei accused the French diplomats of violating the Vienna Convention, which governs diplomatic relations and the conduct of diplomats.
The latest diplomatic dispute adds to tensions between Tehran and Paris, with both sides accusing each other of actions that have further strained relations between the two countries.
