Individual Apprehended in France Following Bomb Threat at Iranian Consulate

 

French authorities report that neither explosives nor any threatening materials were discovered on the suspect or at the Iranian consular office in Paris. The suspect, who allegedly made threats of self-harm at Iran’s embassy, was apprehended by French police.

 

According to French prosecutors, despite initial reports of ammunition brought into the consular office, no explosives were found on the suspect or within the embassy premises. The suspect, identified as a 1963-born individual of Iranian origin, was taken into custody after voluntarily leaving the office following indications of potential violent intentions, as stated by the Paris prosecutor’s office via Agence France-Presse.

 

However, investigations have revealed no traces of explosive substances either on the suspect, in his vehicle, or within the building, prosecutors affirmed.

 

Initial reports indicated that the suspect entered the consular office around 11 a.m. carrying what appeared to be a grenade and an explosive vest. Subsequently, the area was cordoned off by police. The suspect exited the office later and was promptly arrested, with reports from sources suggesting that the grenades carried were replicas, as mentioned by the BFM TV channel.

 

Sources also revealed that the detained individual was previously suspected of involvement in an attempted arson incident near the Iranian embassy in September. Witnesses reported seeing him dragging flags within the consulate premises, expressing intentions to avenge his brother's death, as per Le Parisien newspaper.

 

The vicinity surrounding the consulate, situated in Paris's 16th district, was heavily guarded, with heightened police presence and restricted access reported by an AFP journalist. Paris public transport services, RATP, announced the suspension of two metro lines passing close to the consulate area via social media platform X.

 

Notably, the incident coincided with escalated tensions in the Middle East, notably following reported explosions in Isfahan, Iran, purportedly linked to Israeli actions. Despite this, Tehran downplayed the event, signaling no intent for retaliation, in efforts to mitigate regional conflict.

 

Amidst rising tensions, various nations and the United Nations have advocated for de-escalation in the region. The U.S. embassy in Paris advised American citizens to avoid the vicinity surrounding the Iranian embassy, aligning with precautionary measures issued by French authorities.