CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: French Police on Friday arrested a man who had threatened to blow himself up at Iran’s consulate in Paris. Reportedly, the suspect was carrying a grenade and explosives vest. Police cordoned off the Iranian consulate in Paris amid tensions.
Police officials are trying to verify the identity of the arrested man. As of now, the motive behind the act is unclear.
According to police officials, a man was seen at about 11 am entering the consulate. Police had launched a special operation as soon as they received the alert.
The officials are yet to confirm if the man had entered the consulate with explosives.
The US embassy in Paris advised its citizens to avoid the consulate area and follow the instructions from local authorities.
Paris transport company RATP said on X that the traffic had been suspended on two metro lines that transit through stops close to the consulate.
The incident comes in the wake of heightened tensions in the Middle East.
According to police officials, the same arrested man is suspected of being behind the attempted arson near the Iranian consulate in an incident in September last year.
Witnesses said that the man dragged flags on the floor of the consulate and said he wanted to avenge the death of his brother, reported Le Parisien newspaper.