France says conditions of citizens held in Iran akin to torture

PARIS (Reuters) -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. French officials have toughened their language towards Iran in recent weeks, notably over the advancement of its nuclear programme and regional activities, but also the detention of European citizens in the country. President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that Iran was "the main strategic and security challenge" for France and Europe, with Iran nearing the point of no-return on its nuclear programme.