Iran Sentences Two French Citizens to 63 Years Imprisonment on Espionage Charges Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Oct 15, 2025 07:05 am CST

Iran's judiciary has sentenced two French nationals to a combined 63 years in prison on espionage charges, further straining Tehran-Paris relations. The individuals, identified as Cecile Kohler and Chuck Paris, have been detained since 2022 in what France calls unfounded charges. The sentencing comes as Iran appears to be seeking leverage for a potential prisoner exchange involving an Iranian national held in France.