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France’s embassy in Tehran has cut back non-essential staff as protests spread nationwide, with personnel leaving over Sunday and Monday as security conditions remain tense, according to reports.
Two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told AFP on Monday that non-essential embassy personnel had departed Iran over the past two days. The sources did not specify how many staff members were involved in the departures.
While the French government has not issued an official public statement on the matter, the move is seen as a precaution amid worsening security conditions and ongoing unrest, according to people familiar with the situation.
The French Foreign Ministry told AFP that the embassy’s internal structure had been adjusted in response to the situation on the ground.
"The embassy's structure has been reconfigured to allow it to handle its duties in the local context," the ministry said, adding: "The protection of our personnel and our citizens is a priority."
Diplomatic missions typically reduce staffing or adjust operations during periods of heightened risk to ensure the safety of their personnel and nationals.
Despite the staff reductions, French authorities said the embassy continues to operate. "The ambassador is there, with his team. We are handling the services needed by our nationals who might be in Iran," the foreign ministry said.
The French embassy in Tehran usually has around 30 expatriate employees, along with several dozen locally hired staff members.
The precautionary steps come as internet access and regular telecommunications in Iran remain largely cut off by the country’s cleric-led authorities, who have deployed security forces across multiple cities to counter the protests.
Such communication shutdowns limit access to information and make it harder for families, foreign missions, and humanitarian groups to monitor developments.
The Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO said it has confirmed that 648 people have been killed during the protests, including nine minors, and that thousands more have been wounded.
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