France – 20 minutes, Nov. 26, 2025
Will Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris be able to leave Iran and return to France? Tehran claims that the exchange between the two French nationals and the Franco-Iranian Mahdieh Esfandiari is now only awaiting the completion of judicial procedures in France. During his visit to Paris, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reminded viewers on France 24 that “an agreement has been negotiated” and that Tehran is now waiting for “the full legal and judicial process to be carried out in both countries.”
While Mahdieh Esfandiari — prosecuted in France for advocating and inciting acts of terrorism, as well as for online public insults — remains under judicial supervision at the Iranian Embassy in Paris until her January trial, the minister believes that “it will conclude” within “the next two months.” He assures that the exchange can then be carried out.
Tehran uses the French justice system as leverage
For their part, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, sentenced in Iran in October to 20 and 17 years in prison respectively for espionage, have seen their judicial proceedings come to an end. Released under conditions but barred from leaving Iranian territory, they remain eligible for an exchange under Iranian law. “Prisoners can be exchanged on the basis of national interests,” Abbas Araghchi emphasized, noting that such decisions fall under the authority of the Supreme National Security Council.
