Iran and France indicated on Monday that progress has been made in negotiations to secure the release of two French citizens detained in Iran in exchange for an Iranian national held in France.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said during a press conference that “the decision regarding the release of the two individuals and Ms. Esfandiari is currently being reviewed by the relevant authorities,” expressing hope that “it will happen soon once the necessary procedures are completed.”

Outgoing French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told France Inter radio that there are “strong possibilities” for the French detainees’ return “within the coming weeks,” emphasizing that efforts are ongoing to secure their immediate and unconditional release.

Iran has been holding Cécile Kohler and her partner, Jacques Paris, since 2022, as well as Franco-German cyclist Lennart Monterlus, 18, who was arrested last June. However, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, the head of the judiciary in the southern Hormozgan province announced Monday that Monterlus had been acquitted of espionage charges.

Repeat accusations from France

Paris has repeatedly accused Tehran of arbitrarily detaining Kohler and Paris under harsh conditions in Evin Prison and denying them proper consular access, allegations that the Islamic Republic firmly rejects.

In mid-September, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hinted at a potential prisoner swap involving the French nationals and Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian student living in Lyon who was detained earlier this year over social media posts critical of “Israel.”

The reported progress marks a rare moment of diplomatic convergence between Tehran and Paris amid longstanding tensions over sanctions, regional policy, and Iran’s nuclear program.

Nationals turned out to be spies

The two French nationals infiltrated into Iran as tourists on April 28 but turned out to be spies for Western intelligence agencies.

According to the Iranian Intelligence Ministry, the duo attempted to foment instability and social disorder earlier in June when some teachers took to the streets in peaceful protests to demand fair wages and better working conditions.

Two French spies are shown entering Iran and participating in protests in a video released by local media.

In an audio file, a woman and a man can be heard discussing a "battle to gather majority" to create a "revolutionary doc". The video also includes photos of the French couple visiting activists in Iran who were imprisoned on spying or attempting to cause social disorder charges.

Some photos show the two with teachers' unionists, including Rasoul Bodaqi. According to the video, the French nationals were arrested on suspicion of spying.