France Expels Iranian Diplomats as Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Rapidly

France is set to expel two Iranian diplomats from the embassy in Paris, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the decision after Iran permanently expelled two French diplomats.

“I warned that these unacceptable measures would have consequences, and that is unfortunately the case. Two Iranian diplomats in France will be expelled in the near future,” Mr Barrot stated on social media. He previously explained that France’s support for Iranian civil society triggered the initial expulsion by Tehran. “The Iranian people, a great people, are the primary victims of this period of extreme tension in the Middle East, caught between the bloody repression of the January 2026 protests and the bombings,” Mr Barrot added.

Meanwhile, broader regional tensions continue to mount. Iran fired two missiles at the UAE on Tuesday night, prompting the UAE to halt all trade, commercial exchange, and financial transactions with Iran due to security threats. Yemen's Houthi rebels also claimed they targeted eight Saudi oil tankers and blocked numerous others, expanding shipping threats across the region.

In Iraq, Parliament Speaker Haibat Al Halbousi requested special arrangements from Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf for Iraqi oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran closed during its standoff with the US. Additionally, Dr Anwar Gargash criticized false claims circulating against the UAE as the nation addresses regional developments.