Iran has released two French nationals who were detained there for more than three years, French President Emmanuel Macron has said. Cécile Kohler, 41, and her partner, Jacques Paris, 72, have been released from Evin prison, Macron noted, with later confirmation from France’s foreign minister that they are 'safe' at the embassy in Tehran 'ahead of their final release.' 'I welcome this first step. The dialogue continues to allow for their return to France as quickly as possible,' Macron stated.

The couple was arrested in May 2022 during a tourist trip, and are believed to be the last French nationals held in Iran. Previously, they were found guilty of spying on behalf of both France and Israel, resulting in lengthy prison sentences, as reported by Iranian state media.

France has accused Iran of state hostage-taking, claiming that many Europeans have been held under similar conditions, which Iran denies. The release of Kohler and Paris ended what their legal team described as 'arbitrary detention lasting 1,277 days.' Their families maintain that both are innocent of the charges against them.

This release follows a statement from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that a deal for the exchange of French detainees for an Iranian woman held in France was nearing completion. Mahdieh Esfandiari, charged in France with promoting terrorism, was previously released conditionally, indicating that a negotiation process is underway between the two countries.