• Olivier Grondeau, a French citizen, has been released after nearly 900 days in Iranian detention.
• French President Emmanuel Macron announced his return and emphasized continued efforts for two other citizens still imprisoned.
• Western countries, including France, have long accused Iran of using foreign detainees as bargaining chips.
• Grondeau’s health has reportedly declined during his imprisonment, necessitating medical attention upon his return.

French authorities confirmed the release of Olivier Grondeau, a citizen detained in Iran since October 2022 on security charges, after an arduous 887-day ordeal. President Emmanuel Macron announced his return to France on March 20, stating, "he is free and with his loved ones." This announcement was met with relief, although Macron reaffirmed the French government's commitment to securing the release of two other French nationals, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who remain incarcerated in Iran under controversial circumstances. These two have been accused of inciting labor protests, allegations their families maintain are unfounded.

Grondeau, originally from Montpellier, had traveled to Iran on a tourist visa, enjoying Persian poetry and culture, before being arrested in Shiraz and subsequently sentenced to a five-year term for purportedly conspiring against the Islamic Republic. His family vehemently disputed these charges, portraying him as an innocent victim caught in Iran's political machinations.

The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, expressed joy at Grondeau's return, emphasizing the emotional toll on both him and the families of other detainees. Grondeau arrives in France having suffered significant psychological strain, prompting immediate medical evaluation, as detailed by a government source.

The release comes amidst broader international discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program and the geopolitical tensions that have persisted over the years. French officials have voiced concerns over Iran's treatment of foreign nationals, often classified as state hostages employed as bargaining tools in diplomatic negotiations. As Macron adeptly noted, "Our mobilization will not weaken," reflecting ongoing efforts to advocate for the safe return of all French citizens detained abroad. Reports suggest that the health of Kohler and Paris has significantly deteriorated, leading Macron to reiterate calls for their freedom before the French public and international community, positioning their plight as a pressing humanitarian concern.

For further details, refer to the original reports from India Times, Le Monde, and SCMP.