France, Nov. 5 -- French citizens Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris have been released from prison in Iran after more than three years in detention, President Emmanuel Macron announced late on Tuesday. The couple, accused by Tehran of espionage, are now under French protection in the Iranian capital.

"They are on their way to the French embassy in Tehran," Macron said on X, calling the release "a first step". He said discussions were under way to ensure their return to France "as quickly as possible".

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot later confirmed that Kohler and Paris were "in safety at the Residence of France in Tehran, awaiting their definitive release", adding that they "seem to be in good health".

Kohler, 41, a high school...