An 18-year-old French cyclist has disappeared while on a bike trip in Iran, sparking fears that the teenager may have been detained by local officials.
Since the teenager went missing on June 16, 2025, there have been various posts on social media platforms identifying him as Lennart Monterlos. It is believed that there are already people who are in contact with his family, as his disappearance is worrying.
Teenage French Cyclist Goes Missing in Iran
French nationals are advised not to make any efforts to travel to Iran, as the latter's government has implemented a "deliberate policy of taking Western hostages." It remains unclear whether or not the teenage cyclist was among the European individuals who were arrested in Iran on charges of spying for Israel.
Currently, Iran is believed to be holding roughly 20 European nationals, many of whom have never had their cases made public. Three other unidentified Europeans were also recently arrested in the region, two of whom faced accusations of spying for Israel, according to the Times of Israel.
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Two French nationals, 40-year-old Cecile Kohler and 72-year-old Jacques Paris, have been detained in Iran since May 2022 on charges of espionage, which their families continue to deny. The couple was among the prisoners who were held in Evin Prison in Tehran, which was bombed by Israel in its 12-day war with Iran.
Now, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot was able to speak with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. The former is demanding that Iran release Kohler and Paris, but it was not mentioned if the two officials talked about Monterlos.
Detaining European Individuals
An official issued a warning, noting that Iran is "targeting French nationals" who are passing through the country to accuse them of espionage, to detain them, mostly in "appalling conditions," the Times of India reported.
French President Emmanuel Macron is also calling for the release of Kohler and Paris, saying he will be in contact with his Iranian counterpart to discuss the matter. He also reiterated that he has not ruled out taking retaliatory measures.
He said that the situation is a "provocation against France," and is an "unacceptable" choice of aggression. The Iranian embassy in Paris released a statement, saying that the couple's case is still under judicial investigation and there has been no decision reached about the outcome.
Barrot said that if Kohler and Paris are really facing the charges against them, they consider these to be completely "unjustified and unfounded," as per Reuters.
