French Teen Missing; France Sues Iran at World Court

Eighteen-year-old Lennart Monterlos, a French and German dual national, has been missing in Iran since June 16, 2025, during a cycling trip, raising fears of state-sponsored hostage-taking. French officials are in contact with his family but have not confirmed whether he is among roughly 20 Europeans believed detained by Iran on espionage and other charges. French nationals Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, held for over three years, were recently moved from Evin prison after an Israeli strike, and their current whereabouts are unknown. Both face charges of spying for Israel's Mossad, which their families and the French government deny, and France has demanded their immediate and unconditional release. France is also pursuing action at the World Court, alleging Iran violated consular protection rights. Western governments view these detentions as attempts by Iran to gain diplomatic leverage amid regional tensions.