### Diplomatic Strain: Iran Protests French Minister's Comments on Cannes Win

### Iran officially summoned the French envoy following controversial comments made by the French foreign minister after an Iranian director's Cannes triumph.

Iran has summoned the French ambassador in Tehran to express its outrage over remarks made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot regarding Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi's recent triumph at the Cannes Film Festival. Panahi earned the prestigious Palme d'Or for his film "It Was Just an Accident," a political drama inspired by his own experiences with the Iranian justice system.

In response to Panahi's win on Saturday, Minister Barrot stated that the award symbolized "a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime's oppression." This statement led to a diplomatic confrontation, with Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Tanhaei labeling the comments as "insulting" and "unfounded." During discussions with the French envoy, Tanhaei described Barrot's words as "blatant interference" in Iranian internal affairs and demanded an official explanation from the French government. He criticized France's historical stance on various human rights issues, particularly its handling of the Palestinian situation in Gaza, declaring that France lacks the moral authority to comment on Iran's domestic matters.

Jafar Panahi, who has faced numerous legal challenges due to his outspoken views against the Iranian regime—spending significant time in jail—managed to film "It Was Just an Accident" clandestinely. The movie tells the stories of five ordinary Iranians confronting a figure they believe inflicted harm upon them in prison, drawing upon Panahi's discussions with fellow prisoners.

In his emotional acceptance speech at Cannes, Panahi called upon his fellow Iranians to unite for freedom, emphasizing the need for personal liberties. After his victory, he confirmed to reporters that he would return to Tehran post-festival to consider his next cinematic endeavor, embodying the resilience and enduring spirit of filmmakers in oppressive regimes.