Abbas Araghchi confirmed in an interview

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, confirmed in an interview with Le Monde that Lennart Montrelos, an 18-year-old Franco-German cyclist who went missing during a biking trip in Iran, has been detained by Iranian authorities for what he described as a “violation of law.” An official notice regarding Mr. Montrelos’ status has reportedly been sent to the French embassy.

In response, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern, stating it is in direct contact with Iranian officials to demand clarification about Mr. Montrelos’ whereabouts and to urge an immediate end to the arbitrary detention of Western nationals in Iran.

Reuters had earlier reported the disappearance of a French man in Iran, A story later confirmed by France’s Minister for Citizens Abroad, though details were withheld.

French media note that Mr. Montrelos vanished just days after Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, fueling speculation about politically motivated arrests. He is now the third French national arrested in Iran in recent months. Meanwhile, Germany has also raised concerns, warning dual nationals about heightened risks when traveling to or residing in Iran.