Iran summons French envoy over school protests

Iran summoned France's ambassador to Tehran, Pierre Cochard, on Tuesday over Paris's handling of protests demanding better school conditions, state media reported.

Iran accused France of violent treatment of protesters and extensive human rights violations during demonstrations that began late last month and have included unrest. French police have clashed for days with demonstrators.

The move comes after months of strained relations between Tehran and Paris. The two countries expelled each other's diplomats in August.

Iran also faced major anti-government protests in January. Iranian authorities reported more than 3,000 deaths and blamed terrorist acts orchestrated by the United States and Israel. Foreign-based NGOs maintain that Iranian security forces fired on protesters.