Tensions between the US and Iran reach a boiling point as Supreme Leader Khamenei vows retaliation against any strike. President Trump warns of military action if Iran advances its nuclear program. Meanwhile, reports suggest Iran has deployed missiles in underground facilities, raising concerns of a potential conflict.

US-Iran tensions: Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei warns strong reply to US

US-Iran tensions: Iran refuses direct talks with US, open for indirect talks

US-Iran tensions: Khamenei: US will receive a strong counterattack from Iran

US-Iran tensions: Iran warns of retaliation as Trump threatens strikes

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of severe consequences if it fails to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States, saying on Sunday (March 30) that there would be bombing “the likes of which they have never seen before”. Watch to know more!

Donald Trump threatens Iran ‘Bombing like they have never seen before’

Trump says will ‘bomb’ Iran unless it signs nuclear deal, Tehran rejects direct talks

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donald Trump</a> has warned Iran of severe consequences if it fails to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States, saying on Sunday (March 30) that there would be bombing &ldquo;the likes of which they have never seen before&rdquo;.
Speaking to NBC News in a phone interview, the US President said, &ldquo;If they don&rsquo;t make a deal, there will be bombing.&rdquo; He also mentioned the possibility of imposing &ldquo;secondary tariffs&rdquo; on the country.
Trump confirmed that officials from both sides were currently &ldquo;talking&rdquo;, although no significant progress has been made since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord in 2018.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-trump-pissed-off-over-anti-zelensky-comments-secondary-oil-tariffs-on-russia-8907533" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Putin knows I&rsquo;m angry&rsquo;: Trump &lsquo;pissed off&rsquo; over anti-Zelensky remarks, warns of secondary oil tariffs on Russia</a>
<h2>Iran rejects direct talks with US over nuclear program despite Trump&rsquo;s warnings</h2>
His comments came shortly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded to a letter sent by Trump to Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader, stating that Tehran would not engage in direct talks with Washington.
&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t avoid talks; it&rsquo;s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far,&rdquo; Pezeshkian said during a televised address. &ldquo;They must prove that they can build trust.&rdquo;
While rejecting direct dialogue, Pezeshkian said that Iran&rsquo;s reply, sent via Oman, left the door open for indirect negotiations with the US.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-direct-talks-with-us-over-nuclear-program-despite-trumps-warnings-8907366">'No trust, no talks': Iran rejects direct talks with US over nuclear program despite Trump&rsquo;s warnings</a>
Trump had issued a similar warning on Friday, saying, &ldquo;My big preference... is we work it out with Iran. But if we don't work it out, bad, bad things are gonna happen to Iran.&rdquo;
Tensions between the two nations have risen in recent weeks, following the first US airstrikes on Yemen under Trump&rsquo;s leadership. The United States claimed the strikes killed several senior Houthi officials, while the Houthi-controlled health ministry reported 53 deaths and around 100 injuries.
Trump has also threatened to &ldquo;annihilate&rdquo; the Houthis and warned Iran against supporting the group amid ongoing US military action. Clashes between Houthi forces and the US have continued since the initial strikes.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bad-bad-things-will-happen-trump-warns-iran-on-nuclear-deal-8902025">'Bad, bad things will happen': Trump warns Iran on nuclear deal</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The US President said, “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing.” He also mentioned the possibility of imposing “secondary tariffs” on the country.

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of severe consequences if it fails to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States, saying on Sunday (March 30) that there would be bombing “the likes of which they have never seen before”. Speaking to NBC News in a phone interview, the US President said, “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing.” He also mentioned the possibility of imposing “secondary tariffs” on the country. Trump confirmed that officials from both sides were currently “talking”, although no significant progress has been made since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord in 2018. Also read: ‘Putin knows I’m angry’: Trump ‘pissed off’ over anti-Zelensky remarks, warns of secondary oil tariffs on Russia Iran rejects direct talks with US over nuclear program despite Trump’s warnings His comments came shortly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded to a letter sent by Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader, stating that Tehran would not engage in direct talks with Washington. “We don’t avoid talks; it’s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far,” Pezeshkian said during a televised address. “They must prove that they can build trust.” While rejecting direct dialogue, Pezeshkian said that Iran’s reply, sent via Oman, left the door open for indirect negotiations with the US. Also read: 'No trust, no talks': Iran rejects direct talks with US over nuclear program despite Trump’s warnings Trump had issued a similar warning on Friday, saying, “My big preference... is we work it out with Iran. But if we don't work it out, bad, bad things are gonna happen to Iran.” Tensions between the two nations have risen in recent weeks, following the first US airstrikes on Yemen under Trump’s leadership. The United States claimed the strikes killed several senior Houthi officials, while the Houthi-controlled health ministry reported 53 deaths and around 100 injuries. Trump has also threatened to “annihilate” the Houthis and warned Iran against supporting the group amid ongoing US military action. Clashes between Houthi forces and the US have continued since the initial strikes. Also read: 'Bad, bad things will happen': Trump warns Iran on nuclear deal (With inputs from agencies)

'There will be bombing like never before': Trump threatens Iran with strikes, tariffs over nuclear deal refusal

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on Sunday (March 30) that Tehran has refused to hold direct talks with the United States over its nuclear programme. This marks the country's first public response to a letter sent by US President Donald Trump to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-supreme-leader-khamenei-warns-us-president-donald-trump-against-making-unwise-threats-says-tehran-will-inflict-a-blow-8848103" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader</a>.
According to Pezeshkian, the Iranian reply, delivered through Oman, did not shut down the possibility of indirect discussions with Washington. 
Pezeshkian acknowledged that no progress has been made in talks since Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-threatens-to-target-us-uk-forces-in-indian-ocean-report-8905973" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Iran threatens to target US, UK forces in Indian Ocean: Report</a>
&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t avoid talks; it&rsquo;s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far,&rdquo; Pezeshkian said in a televised speech. &ldquo;They must prove that they can build trust,&rdquo; he said.
On Friday, Trump had warned Iran, saying that "bad things" would happen to the nation if it fails to reach a nuclear deal.&nbsp;
"My big preference... is we work it out with Iran. But if we don't work it out, bad, bad things are gonna happen to Iran," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
The US and Israel have both warned that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. 
These warnings have grown stronger as Iran continues to enrich uranium close to weapons-grade levels, a process typically undertaken only by nuclear-armed states.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bad-bad-things-will-happen-trump-warns-iran-on-nuclear-deal-8902025" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Bad, bad things will happen': Trump warns Iran on nuclear deal</a>
Iran has always claimed its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. Still, some Iranian officials have increasingly hinted at the possibility of developing nuclear weapons.
The tensions between Iran and the US have been high lately after&nbsp;the first US strikes on Yemen since President Donald Trump took office.
The US said that several top Houthi officials were killed in its strikes on Yemen, whereas the Houthi-run health ministry said the strikes claimed the lives of 53 people and injured approximately 100.
Moreover, the US president also threatened to "annihilate" Houthis and warned Iran against continuing with its aid to the group amid an ongoing US military campaign against them. Since then, Houthi and the US have been exchanging fire.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-says-us-strikes-on-yemen-a-crime-that-must-be-stopped-8873071" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Iran's Khamenei says US strikes on Yemen 'a crime that must be stopped'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: On Friday, Trump had warned Iran, saying that "bad things" would happen to the nation if it fails to reach a nuclear deal.          Middle East

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on Sunday (March 30) that Tehran has refused to hold direct talks with the United States over its nuclear programme. This marks the country's first public response to a letter sent by US President Donald Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader. According to Pezeshkian, the Iranian reply, delivered through Oman, did not shut down the possibility of indirect discussions with Washington. Pezeshkian acknowledged that no progress has been made in talks since Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018. Also read: Iran threatens to target US, UK forces in Indian Ocean: Report “We don’t avoid talks; it’s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far,” Pezeshkian said in a televised speech. “They must prove that they can build trust,” he said. On Friday, Trump had warned Iran, saying that "bad things" would happen to the nation if it fails to reach a nuclear deal. "My big preference... is we work it out with Iran. But if we don't work it out, bad, bad things are gonna happen to Iran," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. The US and Israel have both warned that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. These warnings have grown stronger as Iran continues to enrich uranium close to weapons-grade levels, a process typically undertaken only by nuclear-armed states. Also read: 'Bad, bad things will happen': Trump warns Iran on nuclear deal Iran has always claimed its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. Still, some Iranian officials have increasingly hinted at the possibility of developing nuclear weapons. The tensions between Iran and the US have been high lately after the first US strikes on Yemen since President Donald Trump took office. The US said that several top Houthi officials were killed in its strikes on Yemen, whereas the Houthi-run health ministry said the strikes claimed the lives of 53 people and injured approximately 100. Moreover, the US president also threatened to "annihilate" Houthis and warned Iran against continuing with its aid to the group amid an ongoing US military campaign against them. Since then, Houthi and the US have been exchanging fire. Also read: Iran's Khamenei says US strikes on Yemen 'a crime that must be stopped' (With inputs from agencies)

'No trust, no talks': Iran rejects direct talks with US over nuclear program despite Trump’s warnings

Iran has issued a stern warning to the US and UK, threatening retaliation against the Chagos Islands if attacked. This comes after President Donald Trump warned Tehran to "close the deal or face military action."

Iran warns US and UK, threatens strike on Chagos island

Iran has repainted the iconic ‘Down With USA’ mural in Tehran, a symbol of hostility dating back to 1979 when it was first painted on the US Embassy wall. The restoration comes amid growing tensions between Iran and the United States, fueling debates over their long-standing feud.

Iran repaints ‘down with USA’ mural amid rising tensions

The US has deployed B-2 stealth bombers to Diego Garcia amid rising tensions with Iran. Meanwhile, Washington has launched multiple airstrikes in Yemen, targeting key areas in the capital. Despite 36 reported strikes, Yemen insists it will continue supporting Gaza. Iran, on the other hand, is reportedly preparing its underground ‘Missile City.’

US-Houthis conflict: Yemen says US strikes won't deter them from supporting Gazans

Iranians hold annual Al-Quds Day rally in support of the Palestinian people. Iran marks the annual Al-Quds Day on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.

Iranians hold annual Al-Quds day rally in support of Palestinians

The United States has significantly reinforced its military presence at a base on an island in the Indian Ocean, located near Yemen and Iran. Watch this report for more details!

US vs Houthis: Washington deploys more war machines near Iran

US President Donald Trump on Friday (March 28) warned Iran, saying that "bad things" would happen to the nation if it fails to reach a nuclear deal.&nbsp;
This comes a day after Iran responded to a letter from the US president, calling for talks.
"My big preference... is we work it out with Iran. But if we don't work it out, bad, bad things are gonna happen to Iran," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-says-us-strikes-on-yemen-a-crime-that-must-be-stopped-8873071">Iran's Khamenei says US strikes on Yemen 'a crime that must be stopped'</a>
Last week, Trump sent Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a letter, proposing negotiations on a new nuclear deal, with a two-month ultimatum, to reach an agreement.&nbsp;
The communication contained &ldquo;more of a threatening posture,&rdquo; but apparently also offered &ldquo;some opportunities&rdquo; for Iran, the country&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday, saying a response will come &ldquo;in the coming days.&rdquo;
Trump&rsquo;s envoy, Steve Witkoff, delivered the letter to the president of the United Arab Emirates. Following this, a UAE official passed the letter to the Iranians.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-supreme-leader-khamenei-warns-us-president-donald-trump-against-making-unwise-threats-says-tehran-will-inflict-a-blow-8848103">&lsquo;Iran will retaliate&rsquo;: Khamenei warns Trump against making &lsquo;unwise&rsquo; threats, says &lsquo;will inflict a blow&rsquo;</a>
Moreover, last week, Khamenei said that the deadly US strikes on the Houthi rebels in Yemen were a "crime that must be stopped".
Prior to that week, &nbsp;the Tehran-backed militant group threatened to renew attacks on Israeli shipping in retaliation to aid blockade in the besieged Palestinian enclave by Israel. This triggered the first US strikes on Yemen since President Donald Trump took office in the month of January.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-khamenei-condemns-bullying-after-us-president-donald-trumps-military-action-threat-against-iran-8835094">&lsquo;They aim at domination&rsquo;: Khamenei condemns &lsquo;bullying&rsquo; after Trump&rsquo;s military action threat against Iran</a>
The US said that several top Houthi officials were killed in its strikes on Yemen, whereas the Houthi-run health ministry said the strikes claimed the lives of 53 people and injured approximately 100.
Moreover, the US president also threatened to "annihilate" Houthis and warned Iran against continuing with its aid to the group amid an ongoing US military campaign against them. &nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/final-strokes-trump-hints-at-final-moments-with-iran-after-his-letter-to-khamenei-gets-lost-in-mail-8832335">'Final strokes': Trump hints at 'final moments' with Iran after his letter to Khamenei 'gets lost in mail'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Last week, Trump sent Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a letter, proposing negotiations on a new nuclear deal, with a two-month ultimatum.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (March 28) warned Iran, saying that "bad things" would happen to the nation if it fails to reach a nuclear deal. This comes a day after Iran responded to a letter from the US president, calling for talks. "My big preference... is we work it out with Iran. But if we don't work it out, bad, bad things are gonna happen to Iran," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Also read: Iran's Khamenei says US strikes on Yemen 'a crime that must be stopped' Last week, Trump sent Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a letter, proposing negotiations on a new nuclear deal, with a two-month ultimatum, to reach an agreement. The communication contained “more of a threatening posture,” but apparently also offered “some opportunities” for Iran, the country’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday, saying a response will come “in the coming days.” Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, delivered the letter to the president of the United Arab Emirates. Following this, a UAE official passed the letter to the Iranians. Also read: ‘Iran will retaliate’: Khamenei warns Trump against making ‘unwise’ threats, says ‘will inflict a blow’ Moreover, last week, Khamenei said that the deadly US strikes on the Houthi rebels in Yemen were a "crime that must be stopped". Prior to that week, the Tehran-backed militant group threatened to renew attacks on Israeli shipping in retaliation to aid blockade in the besieged Palestinian enclave by Israel. This triggered the first US strikes on Yemen since President Donald Trump took office in the month of January. Also read: ‘They aim at domination’: Khamenei condemns ‘bullying’ after Trump’s military action threat against Iran The US said that several top Houthi officials were killed in its strikes on Yemen, whereas the Houthi-run health ministry said the strikes claimed the lives of 53 people and injured approximately 100. Moreover, the US president also threatened to "annihilate" Houthis and warned Iran against continuing with its aid to the group amid an ongoing US military campaign against them. Also read: 'Final strokes': Trump hints at 'final moments' with Iran after his letter to Khamenei 'gets lost in mail' (With inputs from agencies)

'Bad, bad things will happen': Trump warns Iran on nuclear deal

Iran is weighing U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer for talks on a new nuclear deal. But diplomacy may have another chapter soon, after Iran's men's football team secured a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

Will football mend the bridge between U.S. & Iran?

#Gravitas General Anthony J. Cotton, the head of U.S. Strategic Command, has warned about Iran's advancements in nuclear and missile technology.  According to Cotton, Iran could potentially manufacture a nuclear weapon in as little as one week.

Iran can build nukes in a week: US general

US Iran War: US confirms B-2 deployment to Indian Ocean as Yemen, Iran tensions flareThe US military has deployed long-range bombers at a strategic...Indian Ocean airbase, a spokesperson told Iran International
Washington has intensified its rhetoric against Iran and continues bombing Houthi fighters in Yemen.

US Iran War: US Confirms B-2 Deployment To Indian Ocean As Yemen, Iran Tensions Flare

The head of the US Strategic Command, General Anthony J. Cotton, has said that Iran can produce a nuclear weapon in a span of a week, and due to its work on space launch vehicles, Iran can even reduce the timeline to produce an intercontinental ballistic missile. The US general made these statements during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington, D.C., and General Cotton said that the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to expand its nuclear program by increasing its production of highly enriched uranium and deploying additional advanced centrifuges. Watch in for more details!

'Iran increasing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium': US General

US general: Iran increasing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium

'Iran can reduce timeline to produce ICBM': US general testifies in Senate panel hearing

Iran’s currency, the rial, has fallen below the key psychological threshold of 1 million per US Dollar, hitting a new record low. The steep decline follows four rounds of US Sanctions on iran’s oil exports since President Donald Trump’s return to office.

Diplomatic deadlock deepens Iran’s currency crisis

Iran has pulled back the curtain on its underground “Missile City,” a vast weapons facility designed to intimidate adversaries. With tensions high, Tehran is making it clear: it’s ready to strike back.

Iran touts underground missile city in a warning to U.S., Israel

A major security lapse has rocked the US administration after top-secret war plans were leaked to a journalist just hours before strikes on the Houthis. Reports suggest Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to a classified Signal group chat, revealing sensitive military details. Watch this report to know more!

Top-secret US war plans leaked to journalist before Houthi strikes

Tensions between the US and the Houthis are escalating as President Trump orders more military reinforcements. With the USS Carl Vinson racing to West Asia and USS Harry S. Truman's deployment extended, the US is ramping up its naval power. Airstrikes continue targeting Houthi strongholds, intensifying the conflict. Watch this report for more details!

US-Houthi war: Trump sends more firepower as US-Houthi conflict escalates

The US has urged Iran to dismantle its nuclear program, warning of serious consequences if it refuses. While Trump has signaled a preference for diplomacy, he has also warned of potential military action. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has vowed resistance, escalating tensions further.

US warns Iran: Dismantle nuclear program or face consequences

In the midst of escalating tensions in West Asia and frosty ties with the United States, Iran has unveiled new missile systems on three strategic islands over which it has a long-standing dispute with the UAE.

Iran unveils new missile systems; IRGC arms 'strategic islands' with new weapons

So a new war front has opened in West Asia this week. While Washington is unleashing its lethal weapons on the Houthis, the Yemeni group has promised to expand its strikes to block the Israeli navigation and also to attack US warships in the region. Which side will halt its fire first? Will it be the US, or will it be the Houthis? Take a look.

US-Houthis conflict: Khamenei says us strikes on Yemen 'crime that must be stopped'

One person who’s definitely not pulling any punches against the US president is Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response to the US onslaught against the Houthis and Donald Trump's threat letter to Iran regarding a new nuclear deal, Khamenei has openly labeled Trump as a brute and a bully who deserves "nothing but a tight slap." Khamenei emphasized that all US threats against Iran will fail, downplaying the links between Iran and the Houthis, dismissing the threats as baseless. Watch in for more details!

'Start fight, and you'll get hard slaps': Iran's Supreme Leader

Iran has turned to tech to increase its surveillance of women's dress code in the country. UN is probing these forms of digital surveillance.

Iranian women under Iran's watch: UN

Iranian authorities have released French citizen Olivier Grondeau, detained since October 2022 on security charges, and he has returned to France, President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday.
Grondeau, 34, "is free and with his loved ones", Macron posted on X.
He added that "our mobilisation will not weaken" to ensure the release of two other French citizens still detained by Iran in what Paris views as state hostage-taking.
Grondeau arrived in France on Monday evening after an almost 900-day ordeal, the Elysee Palace and a diplomatic source told AFP.&nbsp;
No further details on the circumstances of Grondeau's release were made available.&nbsp;
Grondeau, who is from Montpellier in the south of France, remains in hospital undergoing a battery of tests, having been severely weakened in recent months, particularly psychologically, a government source told AFP, asking not to be named.
"It is a great joy to have Olivier back since he is innocent of all charges and has always belonged among us," his French lawyer, Chirinne Ardakani, told AFP.
The other two French nationals are Cecile Kohler, a teacher, and her partner, Jacques Paris, who were detained in May 2022. They are accused of seeking to stir up labour protests, accusations their families have denied.
Western countries have for years accused Iran of detaining their nationals on trumped-up charges in a policy of state hostage-taking to use them as bargaining chips to extract concessions.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-would-be-speaking-german-without-us-white-house-slams-french-politician-over-statue-of-liberty-demand-8863473">France would be &lsquo;speaking German&rsquo; without the US: White House slams French politician over Statue of Liberty demand</a>
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot posted a picture of a smiling Grondeau on a plane returning home.
"Held hostage in Iran for 887 days, he has been reunited with his family, loved ones, and his country. It's a huge relief," Barrot said on X.
Grondeau, who turns 35 next week, was arrested in Shiraz, southern Iran, in October 2022 and sentenced to five years in prison for "conspiracy against the Islamic Republic".
His family rejected the charges, describing Grondeau as a passionate fan of Persian poetry who went to Iran on a tourist visa as part of a world tour.
France describes its nationals held by Iran as "state hostages" who have been arbitrarily detained and are innocent of all the charges against them.
<h2>'Dying slow death'&nbsp;</h2>
Until earlier this year, Grondeau had been identified only by his first name but his full identity was revealed by his family in January.&nbsp;
In an audio message aired by French media at the time, Grondeau said he and the other two French detainees in Iran were "exhausted" and their strength was "running out".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-houthis-to-be-annihilated-warns-iran-to-stop-aid-8870943">Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Houthis, warns Iran to stop aid</a>
There has been growing concern over the health of the two other French citizens held by Iran, with Kohler's family warning that they risked dying if they were not freed.
"Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris must be freed from Iranian prisons," Macron said in his message.
Ardakani, who also represents Kohler, emphasised the need to keep fighting for the two French nationals still detained in Iran.
"Their jailers will have to answer for their criminal acts, including before the French courts," she said.
"I am thinking of my client, still incarcerated in section 209 of Evin prison," she said, adding that Kohler was kept in a windowless cell of just eight square metres (86 square feet) "under continuous video surveillance" and had to sleep on the floor.
They are "dying a slow death," Cecile's sister Noemie Kohler said in early March.
Another French detainee, Louis Arnaud, held in Iran since September 2022, was released in June 2024.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

World: Olivier Grondeau, a French citizen detained in Iran since , has been released and returned to France, as confirmed by President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday.

Iranian authorities have released French citizen Olivier Grondeau, detained since October 2022 on security charges, and he has returned to France, President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday. Grondeau, 34, "is free and with his loved ones", Macron posted on X. He added that "our mobilisation will not weaken" to ensure the release of two other French citizens still detained by Iran in what Paris views as state hostage-taking. Grondeau arrived in France on Monday evening after an almost 900-day ordeal, the Elysee Palace and a diplomatic source told AFP. No further details on the circumstances of Grondeau's release were made available. Grondeau, who is from Montpellier in the south of France, remains in hospital undergoing a battery of tests, having been severely weakened in recent months, particularly psychologically, a government source told AFP, asking not to be named. "It is a great joy to have Olivier back since he is innocent of all charges and has always belonged among us," his French lawyer, Chirinne Ardakani, told AFP. The other two French nationals are Cecile Kohler, a teacher, and her partner, Jacques Paris, who were detained in May 2022. They are accused of seeking to stir up labour protests, accusations their families have denied. Western countries have for years accused Iran of detaining their nationals on trumped-up charges in a policy of state hostage-taking to use them as bargaining chips to extract concessions. Also read | France would be ‘speaking German’ without the US: White House slams French politician over Statue of Liberty demand French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot posted a picture of a smiling Grondeau on a plane returning home. "Held hostage in Iran for 887 days, he has been reunited with his family, loved ones, and his country. It's a huge relief," Barrot said on X. Grondeau, who turns 35 next week, was arrested in Shiraz, southern Iran, in October 2022 and sentenced to five years in prison for "conspiracy against the Islamic Republic". His family rejected the charges, describing Grondeau as a passionate fan of Persian poetry who went to Iran on a tourist visa as part of a world tour. France describes its nationals held by Iran as "state hostages" who have been arbitrarily detained and are innocent of all the charges against them. 'Dying slow death' Until earlier this year, Grondeau had been identified only by his first name but his full identity was revealed by his family in January. In an audio message aired by French media at the time, Grondeau said he and the other two French detainees in Iran were "exhausted" and their strength was "running out". Also read | Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Houthis, warns Iran to stop aid There has been growing concern over the health of the two other French citizens held by Iran, with Kohler's family warning that they risked dying if they were not freed. "Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris must be freed from Iranian prisons," Macron said in his message. Ardakani, who also represents Kohler, emphasised the need to keep fighting for the two French nationals still detained in Iran. "Their jailers will have to answer for their criminal acts, including before the French courts," she said. "I am thinking of my client, still incarcerated in section 209 of Evin prison," she said, adding that Kohler was kept in a windowless cell of just eight square metres (86 square feet) "under continuous video surveillance" and had to sleep on the floor. They are "dying a slow death," Cecile's sister Noemie Kohler said in early March. Another French detainee, Louis Arnaud, held in Iran since September 2022, was released in June 2024. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Iran released French citizen Olivier Grondeau after almost 900-days, confirms President Emmanuel Macron

#GRAVITAS | In Tehran, Iranians celebrate 21st March as Nowruz. People gather over food, frolic and festivities. They enjoy festival of fire ahead of the new year by lighting fireworks and dancing around fire.  Watch this video to find out more.

People light bonfires, float lanterns to usher in the Persian New Year

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