Iran's row with France escalates as diplomats expelled from Paris

France is escalating its diplomatic dispute with Iran by expelling two Iranian diplomats from its embassy in Paris. This move comes in response to Iran's expulsion of two French diplomats, a decision made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Barrot stated that Iran's decision reflects the consequences of unacceptable measures, and that France's support for Iranian civil society contributed to the expulsions.

Barrot expressed sympathy for the Iranian people, calling them the primary victims of the current tension in the Middle East. He accused Iranian security services of intimidating the detained French diplomats, alleging a violation of diplomatic immunity. Tehran, however, claimed the two embassy employees had engaged in activities supporting Iranian civil society, breaching the Vienna Convention on diplomatic privileges.

The diplomatic row is taking place amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has severed all trade and financial relations with Iran following a series of attacks on UAE-owned tankers. These attacks, coupled with Iran's rejection of talks with the US, have left the Strait of Hormuz and the regional economy in a precarious position.

Meanwhile, Iraq's Parliament Speaker has requested special arrangements for Iraqi oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, due to the "nature of the relationship" between Iraq and Iran. Despite calls for a resolution, powerful armed groups in Iraq refuse to disarm before a September 30 deadline, deepening tensions between Baghdad and factions with close ties to Tehran. In a separate development, the UAE has criticized false claims against it by some outlets, as the country seeks to move beyond the Iran war crisis.