Olivier Grondeau Freed After 887 Days in Iranian Prison

French citizen Olivier Grondeau has been released after nearly 900 days of imprisonment in Iran, a move announced by President Emmanuel Macron. Grondeau, who was detained in October 2022 and sentenced to five years for alleged conspiracy against the state, was reportedly used as leverage by the Iranian government, a claim he had made in earlier communications. His release coincided with Nowruz, the Persian New Year, a time when Iran traditionally frees prisoners. French authorities continue to advocate for the release of other nationals still held in Iran, specifically Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris. The Iranian government has not acknowledged Grondeau's release, which raises questions about its motivations and the potential for negotiations regarding its nuclear program. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is exerting pressure on Iran amid ongoing military actions related to the region's conflicts.