In a move that is expected to escalate tensions between Iran and France, an Iranian court has sentenced two French nationals to a combined 63 years in prison on charges of espionage and national security violations. The verdict was announced on Tuesday by the Iranian judiciary, with the semiofficial Fars news agency identifying the individuals as Cecile Kohler and Chuck Paris. The two have been detained since 2022, with French authorities dismissing the charges as “unjustified and unfounded.” The Mizan news agency, affiliated with the judiciary, confirmed the sentencing but did not disclose the names of the defendants. The preliminary verdict was issued by Iran’s Revolutionary Court in Tehran, known for its opaque proceedings where defendants often lack access to evidence. The court accused Kohler and Paris of collaborating with French intelligence and Israel. Each was sentenced to over 30 years in prison, though Iranian legal norms typically allow convicts to serve only the longest single term among multiple charges. The sentences can be appealed to Iran’s Supreme Court within 20 days. This development coincides with Iran’s efforts to secure the release of an Iranian national held in France. The case has drawn international attention, particularly after the pair’s arrest during anti-government protests in 2022. France has described them as a teachers’ union official and her partner on vacation. The situation has been further complicated by recent diplomatic tensions, including a potential prisoner swap deal discussed in September. Iran has a history of detaining dual nationals and Westerners, often using them as leverage in international negotiations.