France Evacuates Embassy Staff Amidst Unprecedented Protests in Iran, Macron Condemns Regime's Violence

In response to escalating unrest in Iran, France has evacuated non-essential diplomatic personnel from its embassy in Tehran. This move comes as the country experiences the largest protests since the 2022 unrest triggered by Mahsa Amini's death. The evacuation transpired over two days via commercial flights, though the exact number of staff evacuated has not been disclosed. The French embassy typically employs around thirty expatriates along with local staff.

Since December 28, 2025, Iran has witnessed widespread protests initially sparked by merchants in Tehran reacting to soaring living costs. These demonstrations have since expanded into poorer western regions, directly challenging the regime of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to a non-governmental organization, the regime’s harsh repression has resulted in over 600 deaths.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "state violence" against protestors, describing it as indiscriminate. Similarly, the United Kingdom labeled the repression as "horrible" and called for an immediate end to the violence. The European Union is currently contemplating new, stricter sanctions targeting Iran.

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have sought to demonstrate their strength through large pro-government rallies, with state television broadcasting images of thousands gathered in Tehran’s Revolution Square to support the regime. Historians describe the current protests as unprecedented and place the Supreme Leader in the most precarious position since the Islamic Republic's founding in 1979.

This crisis underscores a critical juncture for Iran’s leadership, with French diplomatic efforts focusing on safety while also drawing international attention to the regime’s violent crackdown.