ISTANBUL
France's top asylum court has suspended appeals from Iranian and Lebanese nationals, citing deteriorating security conditions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, its president announced Tuesday.
The National Court of Asylum (CNDA) said the decision, taken "around ten days ago," is intended to avoid the risk of rejecting applications in a context of escalating regional violence.
Tasked with reviewing cases rejected at first instance by the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra), the court said the move would allow for a reassessment of claims in line with evolving security conditions in both countries.
According to CNDA President Thomas Andrieu, European law allows for the granting of protection to individuals originating from areas affected by "indiscriminate violence," where civilians are exposed to generalized risks regardless of their personal situation.
The suspension aims to ensure that applicants are not denied protection prematurely while the situation on the ground remains volatile.
The US and Israel have carried out airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, so far killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
Tensions have also intensified since March 2, when Israel expanded its military operations in Lebanon, launching airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and areas in the south and east, before beginning a limited ground incursion in the south on March 3.