UK – Iran International, Oct 06, 2025
Iran acquitted dual German-French national Lennart Monterlos of espionage charges linked to the recent 12-day conflict, the head of Hormozgan Province’s judiciary said on Monday.
Lennart Christian Jean-Pierre Le Monterles, described by officials as a German citizen holding French nationality, had been arrested in southern Iran on suspicion of espionage during the conflict.
He was tried by the Revolutionary Court in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan province’s chief justice Mojtaba Ghasemi said.
The official added that although prosecutors had filed an indictment, the court concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove guilt. Under Iranian law, the prosecutor retains the right to appeal the decision.
The verdict comes amid reports about Iran’s treatment of foreign detainees. Just last month, a British couple, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, appeared in court in Tehran on similar espionage charges after being held since January.
Their family has described “inhumane conditions” and accused authorities of extracting confessions through intimidation — claims Iran denies.
Western governments and rights groups say Tehran routinely detains foreign nationals to gain political leverage in disputes with Europe and the United States, an accusation Iran rejects, saying such cases involve genuine security concerns.
