France's foreign minister on Tuesday urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Iran until French nationals held there have been released. "The situation of our compatriots held hostage in Iran is quite simply unacceptable.

The situation of three French citizens held in Iran is worsening with some being detained in conditions similar to torture, France's foreign minister said on Tuesday, adding that future ties and any lifting of sanctions would depend on their fate.

This comes amid heightened tensions between France and Iran over Tehran's advancing nuclear program, regional activities, and accusations of state-sponsored hostage-taking. President Emmanuel Macron has described Iran as a "strategic and security challenge" for France and Europe, with the country nearing a critical point in its nuclear program.

France on Tuesday urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Iran until French nationals held there have been released.

The situation of three French citizens held in Iran is worsening with some being detained in conditions similar to torture, France's foreign minister said on Tuesday, adding that future ties and sanctions lifting would depend on their fate.