Iran-France Diplomatic Prisoner Swap Talks

An Iranian student detained in France is part of a proposed prisoner swap between Iran and France. The diplomatic step follows Iran's readiness to exchange prisoners. French citizens Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris were detained in Iran, while Iran seeks the release of Mahdieh Esfandiari.

In a significant diplomatic development, an Iranian student detained in France is being prepared for a potential prisoner swap with Iran, according to a statement made by an Iranian diplomat to the Tasnim news agency on Tuesday. This announcement comes a day after Iran expressed its willingness to engage in a prisoner exchange with France.

The Iranian Deputy for Consular Affairs at the foreign ministry confirmed, 'The foreign minister announced that Mrs. Esfandyari was placed in the exchange channel and we have put together a political and consular package that both countries must implement.'

The situation involves French citizens Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, detained in Iran since 2022. They are being held amid Iranian claims of France's arbitrary detention of Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian student based in Lyon, arrested earlier this year for her controversial social media posts against Israel.

(With inputs from agencies.)