In a significant diplomatic development, Iran has released two French nationals, Cécile Kohler, 41, and her partner Jacques Paris, 72, who had been detained since May 2022. French President Emmanuel Macron announced their release from Evin prison on Tuesday, with France’s foreign minister confirming their safety at the embassy in Tehran, pending their final return to France. Macron expressed relief at this initial step and emphasized ongoing dialogue to expedite their repatriation. The couple, arrested during a tourist trip, were the last French nationals held in Iran. Last month, Iranian state media reported they were convicted of espionage for France and Israel, receiving lengthy prison sentences. Their release follows a potential prisoner exchange deal involving Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian woman detained in France on terrorism charges, who was conditionally released last month. France has repeatedly accused Iran of state hostage-taking and inhumane detention conditions, allegations Tehran denies. The legal team of Kohler and Paris, based in Paris, stated their 1,277-day arbitrary detention had ended, with their families maintaining their innocence. This development marks a pivotal moment in Franco-Iranian relations, though underlying tensions persist.