TEHRAN – The spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry has denounced a French foreign ministry statement that accused Iran of alleged "state hostage-taking" and "blackmail" in the detention of four French nationals.

During an interview with IRNA on Tuesday, Nasser Kanaani characterized the statement as unprofessional, interventionist, and inappropriate, especially given its reliance on unfounded claims.

Emphasizing that the individuals mentioned in the French Foreign Ministry's statement were detained based on solid evidence, Kanaani stressed that the French government is fully aware of their criminal activities. 

"The people mentioned in the statement of the French foreign ministry were arrested based on solid evidence and witnesses, and the French government is well aware of their crimes," he noted.

He argued that the use of inappropriate language in the French statement hinders progress and resolution.

Furthermore, Kanaani reiterated the independence of Iran's judiciary and emphasized the need for respect and enforcement of its decisions.

The spokesperson also highlighted the French government's contradictory stance on human rights issues, pointing to its failure to address the Gaza genocide and its protection of notorious anti-Iranian terrorists. These inconsistencies, according to Kanaani, undermine France's authority to intervene in Iran's judicial matters.

Kanaani urged the French Foreign Ministry to refrain from issuing such statements and employing diplomatically inappropriate language, cautioning against the negative repercussions on bilateral relations and Iranian public sentiment.