Iran's foreign ministry summoned the French ambassador in Tehran to protest what they labeled as "insulting remarks" following Jafar Panahi's Palme d'Or win at Cannes for his film "It Was Just an Accident," which draws from his experiences in prison. Barrot's comments, which characterized the film as a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime, provoked a strong backlash. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, Mohammad Tanhaei, denounced Barrot's statements as “blatant interference” in Iran's internal affairs, calling them "unfounded allegations". The confrontation underscored diplomatic tensions, as Tanhaei accuses France of lacking moral authority due to its perceived failure to address the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. He has requested a formal explanation from the French government, while the French envoy has promised to relay Iran's concerns to Paris. Despite the pressures, Panahi continues to produce his films, challenging the regime’s censorship. His latest work narrates the harrowing stories of ordinary Iranians caught in a repressive system. In his acceptance speech, Panahi urged fellow Iranians to rally together and resist regulations imposed on their personal freedoms. After a long hiatus from international film festivals, he confirmed his intent to return to Iran post-Cannes to contemplate his next project.