Tehran: In a development closely watched by international observers, Iranian authorities have acquitted Lennart Monterlos, a French-German national, of espionage charges, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. The decision was confirmed by the chief justice of Hormozgan province, signaling a significant turn in a case that had drawn widespread attention amid heightened regional tensions.

Monterlos, a young cyclist, was detained in June during a sensitive period marked by escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, which had recently culminated in a brief 12-day conflict. Authorities had alleged that Monterlos was involved in espionage activities, though the precise nature of the accusations was never publicly detailed. His detention had sparked concern among European government

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