France, the UK, Canada, and over 30 other countries, along with the EU's top diplomat, issued a joint statement condemning Iran's use of the death penalty against protesters, calling it an attempt to 'silence dissent'. Iran's foreign minister dismissed the criticism as hypocrisy, citing Western support for Israel. The UN and rights groups have raised alarm over a surge in executions, with at least 56 people executed on national security charges since March, linked to anti-government protests and the Middle East war.

Background: French prosecutors opened an investigation into Russian interference targeting MEP Raphaël Glucksmann, linked to the GRU-backed group Storm-1516, which used a fake video and article to falsely accuse his partner of corruption. The operation was detected by French state service Viginum on July 31 and used a fake website mimicking investigative media Blast to spread fabricated content. On August 12, Glucksmann announced he has filed a legal complaint over the disinformation campaign, during a trip to the Aude department. Blast also announced it will file a complaint for counterfeiting and identity theft.

French authorities have identified a network of fake French-language X accounts operated from Iran, designed to amplify political fractures in France ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The accounts promote hashtags like #MacronDémission and #AgriculteursEnColère, with some taking nationalist or anti-EU stances and others pro-Palestinian or far-left positions. Analysts link them to Iranian influence operations, noting their activity correlates with internet shutdowns in Iran.

France has initiated disciplinary proceedings against its ambassador to the Central African Republic, Bruno Foucher, following allegations that he brought dozens of young women into his official residence in Bangui between January 2024 and March 2026, raising security concerns. An administrative inquiry conducted in 2026 found the allegations credible, with Foucher acknowledging sexual relations with two women. The case is sensitive as France seeks to rebuild ties with CAR amid Russia's growing influence, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot having visited Bangui in March to mark a diplomatic thaw.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi publicly criticized France and other Western nations for hypocrisy on human rights and international law, citing their support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict and alleged aggression against Iran. In a post on X, he stated that such backing has destroyed any moral high ground they claimed. This statement escalates diplomatic tensions between Iran and Western countries, reflecting the ongoing rift over the Gaza war and regional hostilities.

French Air and Space Force A330 MRTT Phénix aircraft have demonstrated the ability to refuel US Air Force TC-135 and Royal Air Force RC-135W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft in flight. This 'historic' exercise, conducted over France, enhances interoperability among the three NATO allies. The French tankers' rigid boom capability complements the RAF's hose-and-drogue system, allowing for longer missions and improved responsiveness for NATO operations.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has tasked seven parliamentarians (four deputies and three senators) with proposing new measures to combat forest fires, including new aerial resources, clearing rules, and fire service budgets. Their conclusions are due by September 21 and will feed into the 'Sécurité civile' bill and the 2027 budget. This follows a summer of intense wildfires exacerbated by climate change.