France's Macron Announces Release of Two French Detainees from Iran After 3.5 Years

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday that Iran has permitted two French former detainees, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, to depart the country. They are now traveling to French territory following three and a half years of detention. The pair had been staying in French diplomatic premises in Iran after their release from prison. Macron expressed gratitude to Oman for mediating the release, calling it a relief for their families and the nation. The decision to allow their exit, which France had long pursued, indicates Iran's approach of differentiating between nations during the ongoing conflict, treating some favorably while opposing others. Macron has emphasized France's distance from the war, stating the country was not consulted about recent US-Israel strikes and does not support the conflict. French parliament members applauded the news during a session at the National Assembly in Paris.