France recalls envoys to US and Australia over submarine deal

A Royal Navy Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (Andrew Milligan/PA)

France has taken the dramatic step of recalling its ambassadors to the United States and Australia in the worsening row over their nuclear submarine deal.

French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the “exceptional decision” was justified by the “exceptional gravity” of the actions of the two Western allies.