• Iran summoned the French envoy following remarks by FM Jean-Noël Barrot about a Cannes award.
• Barrot labeled Jafar Panahi's film victory as "a gesture of resistance" against Iran's regime.
• The diplomatic row reflects ongoing tensions between Iran and Western nations.

Iran's foreign ministry summoned France's envoy in Tehran on May 25, 2025, in response to what it described as "insulting" comments made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. Barrot's remarks followed the win of Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi at the Cannes Film Festival, where he received the Palme d'Or for his film It Was Just an Accident. Barrot characterized Panahi's success as "a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime's oppression," which prompted Iranian officials to label these comments as interference in internal affairs, according to Le Monde and India Times.

During the meeting between Iranian officials and the French representative, the comments were described as "provocative" and "irresponsible," emphasizing that France lacks the "moral authority" to comment on Iranian matters due to its own geopolitical stance, especially concerning the Gaza situation, as mentioned by Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Mohammad Tanhaei. The Iranian government voiced strong dissent against what it perceives as France's political motivations during the Cannes festival, seeking an official explanation from Paris, according to BBC.

Panahi's film, It Was Just an Accident, narrates the story of five Iranians confronting a torturer from their past, with many actresses depicted without veils, challenging Iran's strict dress codes. Despite facing multiple incarcerations and a filmmaking ban, Panahi succeeded in creating this film under oppressive circumstances, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to artistic expression. His recent accolades underscore the national and international tensions surrounding freedom of expression in Iran, as highlighted by both Le Monde and India Times.