French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated on Sunday that Iran has previously used intermediaries, including drug traffickers, to carry out covert activities in France—and may do so again.
Speaking to LCI television, Retailleau explained that these individuals are often unaware they’re working on behalf of the Iranian regime. “They receive contracts through intermediaries and don’t know the ultimate source,” he said. “That’s how Iran operates on our national territory.”
While Retailleau did not provide specific examples or evidence, he cited the general method as a known tactic of the Iranian state.
Tensions are already high in France following overnight U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Retailleau also referenced a 2018 foiled bombing plot near Paris targeting an Iranian opposition rally. The plan was allegedly orchestrated by Iranian diplomat Assadolah Assadi, who was later convicted in Belgium and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was released in 2023 as part of a prisoner swap with Iran.
Iran has consistently denied any involvement in destabilizing operations in Europe. Its embassy did not immediately respond to the latest claims. Photo by Olivier Ezratty, Wikimedia commons.