Western media reported that a Paris police official said the man was seen at about 11 am local time (0900 GMT) entering the consulate, carrying what appeared to be a grenade and an explosive vest.

The Paris police earlier cordoned off the Iranian consulate and asked the public to avoid the area.

The man’s motives were not immediately clear.

Service was interrupted on a nearby metro line for security reasons, the RATP metro company said, according to France 24.

MNA/6082686