What is the issue between France and Iran?

The wave of violent protests in France shows no signs of abating. The new generation, also known as “Gen Z” is at the forefront among the protesters. While the French government ostensibly characterizes these protests as being against inflation and the lack of educational facilities, the participation of demonstrators carrying flags of Palestine and Lebanon’s Hezbollah conveys a different message. In fact, it appears that the French public is up in arms in protest against France’s support for the atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza. This is precisely why the French government, having failed to control the demonstrations within its own country, is shifting the entire blame onto Iran. The French Foreign Ministry has alleged that Iran has, in the past as well, been involved in numerous activities aimed at creating instability against France. These include alleged cyber activities against the weekly magazine Charlie Hebdo in 2023, as well as actions directed against the organization of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. According to France, in March 2026, the European Union also imposed sanctions on the Iranian entity “Eminent Pasargad,” which was accused of facilitating these cyberattacks. France’s latest allegations have emerged at a time when tensions already exist between Paris and Tehran regarding the situation in the Middle East and Iran’s regional policies. For the first time, France has directly accused Iran of orchestrating a large-scale cyber-sabotage campaign within its territory, signaling diplomatic protests, further European sanctions, and potential retaliatory measures. However, all these allegations are based on an official statement by the French government. The reality on the ground is quite the opposite. In a statement on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reacted sharply to allegations regarding cyberattacks, stating that the French government, far from addressing the grievances of its own people, is unable to even manage its refrigeration systems, and is now shifting the blame for its own failures onto others. He said, “Yes, Iran is a powerful country, but unlike France, we do not demonstrate our power by supporting the massacre in Gaza or by bombing schools and hospitals.” France accused an Iranian cyber unit of carrying out cyberattacks on the refrigeration systems of over 700 supermarkets. It should be noted that the French Foreign Ministry, holding Iran responsible for these attacks, announced that it would summon the Iranian ambassador, propose further sanctions in coordination with European allies, and reserve the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures. It should be noted that the French Foreign Ministry, terming the attacks unacceptable, has announced plans to summon the Iranian ambassador stationed in France and to propose the imposition of further sanctions on Iran in coordination with European allies. According to a statement issued by a spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry on November 9, 2026, the refrigeration systems of over 700 retail stores and supermarkets in France were targeted by cyberattacks on the night of October 11–12. The statement noted that these attacks resulted in extensive financial and material damage; fires broke out in several locations, and food supplies were also spoiled. According to initial estimates, the value of wasted food and other losses reaches tens of millions of euros. The French Foreign Ministry has alleged that, following an investigation, responsibility for these cyberattacks lies with Iran. According to the statement, these operations were carried out by an offensive cyber unit named “Shahid Kaveh,” which has been linked to the Electronic Warfare and Cyber Defense Organization of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Describing this unit as a persistent threat to its critical national infrastructure, France stated that these attacks constitute a direct assault on the security of the French people and on national interests. According to the French Foreign Ministry, the scale and intensity of the attacks were extraordinary, and this was the first major offensive cyber campaign carried out on French soil with the aim of sabotage. France has stated that, under its 2026 national cybersecurity strategy, it will utilize all available means to prevent and respond to cyberattacks. In this regard, France, in coordination with the European Union and other international allies, will propose imposing further sanctions against Iranian entities and individuals involved in cyberattacks. The French Foreign Ministry announced that the Iranian ambassador would be summoned to lodge a strong protest regarding these attacks. The statement further added that France reserves the right to take necessary and proportionate measures in response to cyberattacks; these measures may include actions of both an overt and covert nature. Meanwhile, a statement issued by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the French government’s worn-out policy of leveling accusations against Tehran. The statement says, “The fresh allegations against Iran, which are merely a continuation of previous accusations, are, in reality, an attempt to divert global public opinion away from France’s own destructive policies regarding Iran and the West Asian region.” The statement, while pointing to France’s hosting of terrorist groups and its unconditional support for the genocidal Zionist regime, asserts that these allegations are highly irresponsible and ridiculous; their objective is to damage Iran’s reputation and negatively impact its relations with other nations. A statement from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that the baseless accusations made by France are intended to curry favor with the United States and the Zionist regime, both of which flout international law. According to the Iranian news agency “IRNA,” following cyberattacks on retail chains in France, the French Foreign Minister and the office of the French Public Prosecutor leveled baseless allegations yesterday, claiming that the Islamic Republic of Iran was involved in these attacks, even though Iran has no connection to them.