Why it matters:
Being illegally detained for 6 months in Paris on the charge that she published a post in support of the Palestinian nation amid the Israeli regime's genocidal war on Gaza, Esfandiari was conditionlly realsed by the so-called advocate of democracy and freedom of speech.
The big picture:
Esfandiari, who has lived in France for the past eight years, mysteriously disappeared on March 1, 2025, prompting her family to alert Iranian authorities. Subsequent consular follow-ups revealed that the French police had arrested her.
Esfandiari’s "crime" was her vocal support for Palestinians and her activity on a pro-Palestine Telegram channel. She spent more than seven months behind bars in a French prison. Her conditional release has been welcomed by Iranian authorities.
What he's saying:
On the case of Mahdieh Esfandiari, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said a court in France issued a conditional release order on October 22, allowing her to reside outside prison. He noted that Iran’s Foreign Ministry, together with the Iranian Embassy in France, continues to pursue the case to secure Esfandiari’s full and unconditional freedom and facilitate her return home.
Also:
Turning to Washington’s military movements and threats in Latin America, Baghaei condemned U.S. interventionist and destabilizing behavior, particularly toward Venezuela and Colombia—countries with no nuclear programs or significant regional military activities. He stressed that such actions violate the United Nations Charter and international law, undermining sovereignty and threatening regional peace and security.
Addressing Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after the expiration of UN Resolution 2231, Baghaei confirmed that Tehran’s engagement with the Agency remains consistent with parliamentary legislation and under the supervision of the Supreme National Security Council.
He pointed out that routine technical projects—such as fuel replacement for the Bushehr nuclear power plant and monitoring of the Tehran research reactor—continue in line with national interests and international obligations.
Finally, Baghaei referred to the recent visits of Russia’s special envoy for Syrian affairs and the Omani Interior Minister to Tehran, describing them as part of regular diplomatic consultations.
He also emphasized that Iran’s relations with Moscow are grounded in constructive cooperation and good neighborliness, aimed at bolstering regional coordination and promoting stability in Syria and the wider region.
Go deeper:
Iranian Embassy in Paris Actively Following Up Esfandiari Case: Foreign Ministry
seyed mohammad kazemi - seyed mohammad kazemi
