Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris Return to Paris After Nearly Four Years Detained in Iran

Overview

• They landed in Paris Wednesday morning after leaving Tehran at dawn Tuesday in a diplomatic convoy that routed through Baku, Azerbaijan.
• They met President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée and described conditions in Evin prison as inhumane, citing daily fear, blindfolds outside cells, and almost no contact with family.
• French officials credited months of quiet negotiations and help from Oman, and the ambassador recounted a nine‑hour drive to the Azerbaijan border followed by extended checks at the crossing.
• Iran has said the departure was tied to an exchange involving Mahdieh Esfandiari, a claim France has not confirmed, and her administrative residence order in France was later lifted by police notification.
• The outcome highlights Iran’s practice of holding foreign nationals for leverage, and French sources said recent regional escalation and U.S. threats factored into Tehran’s decision.