France summons Iranian ambassador over hostages

The Iranian ambassador was summoned to the French foreign ministry over the issue of French nationals who were “hostages of the state of the Islamic republic of Iran,” the ministry said on Friday.

“Their situation is unbearable, with undignified detention conditions that, for some, constitute torture under international law,” the ministry said, reiterating that French nationals are advised not to travel to Iran.

“Their situation is unbearable, with undignified detention conditions that, for some, constitute torture under international law,” it said, reiterating that French nationals are advised not to travel to Iran.

Officials in France have hardened their tone towards Iran in recent weeks over issues like Tehran’s nuclear program, regional activities and the detention of European citizens. They say that conditions for progress on talks with Iran on bilateral or multilateral issues will be dependent on the release of the hostages.

Senior French, British and German diplomats will meet with their Iranian counterparts on Monday in Geneva to discuss bilateral issues and more notably the future of nuclear talks ahead of the return of Donald Trump to the White House on Jan. 20.

France’s foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Tuesday that the situation of three French citizens held in Iran was worsening.

In recent years, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have arrested dozens of foreigners and dual nationals, often on charges related to espionage and security. Rights groups have accused Iran of attempting to extract concessions from other countries through the arrests.

According to diplomatic sources, about 20 European citizens from 10 countries are being held in Iran.