Iran closes French Language Centre in Tehran amid diplomatic tensions

Iranian authorities have closed the French Language Centre in Tehran, alleging the embassy-linked institute carried out illegal acts and violated diplomatic conventions.

The closure followed a decision by Tehran’s prosecutor’s office, according to Mizan, a news website linked to Iran’s judiciary. Iranian authorities said the centre had operated under the guise of language instruction and had abused its status as a training facility.

Mizan also alleged the centre sought to identify and build networks among Iranian elites and facilitate their departure from the country. The claims have not been independently substantiated in the supplied material.

The French embassy did not immediately comment on the closure. The precise legal basis for the action and details of the centre’s operations were not reported.

The move comes as relations between Tehran and Paris remain strained. Last month, France announced the expulsion of two Iranian diplomats after Tehran briefly arrested and barred two French envoys, accusing them of interfering in Iran’s internal affairs.