�Spokesman of Iran�s Foreign Ministry Nasser Kanaani says that the judiciary system of the Islamic Republic released two French nationals in response to the French government�s demand and based on humanitarian grounds.






Kanaani reacted to recent news stories released on this issue, saying that in response to the demands made by the French government, including a phone call between foreign ministers on Friday, the Islamic Republic freed two French nationals, while one of them possesses Irish nationality as well.

The release of the French prisoners has taken place in line with the relevant laws and regulations and to show good faith, he noted.

A few hours ago, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Catherine Colonna expressed gratitude for the effective and trust-building move in a phone conversation with her Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian.

Earlier on Friday, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced the release of the two French citizens, Bernard Phelan and Benjamin Briere.

The French foreign minister also said Phelan, who also holds Irish nationality, and Briere were freed from their prison in the northeastern city of Mashhad and are "on their way to France".

In a phone call with her Iranian counterpart, the French foreign minister thanked Iran's humanitarian move to release the two detainees, describing it as an effective and confidence-building step in relations between Tehran and Paris.

Colonna said she held constructive talks with Amir-Abdollahian in Beijing early last month as she was accompanying President Macron during his state visit to China.