Iran closes French language centre in Tehran over alleged illegal acts

Iranian authorities have closed the French Language Centre in Tehran, accusing the embassy-linked institute of carrying out illegal acts and violating diplomatic conventions. The move was announced on Sunday and was attributed to the Tehran prosecutor's office through the judiciary. The centre, which had operated for years, was described by officials as a language training facility that had abused its status.

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According to the judiciary, the closure followed allegations that the centre had engaged in activities beyond language instruction. Officials said it had sought to identify and build networks among elite figures in the country while facilitating their departure. The judiciary also said the institute was affiliated with the French embassy in Tehran.

There was no immediate comment from the French embassy after the announcement. The closure adds to already strained relations between Tehran and Paris. Last month, France expelled two Iranian diplomats after two French envoys were briefly arrested and banned from entering Iran.

Tehran had accused the two French diplomats of interference in Iran's internal affairs. The latest action suggests the diplomatic dispute has now extended beyond personnel measures to institutions linked to cultural and educational exchange. Language centres attached to embassies can play a wider role than teaching alone, often serving as points of contact between foreign missions and local communities.

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In this case, Iranian authorities framed the centre as having crossed diplomatic limits, while the French side has not yet publicly responded. The dispute comes at a time when both countries have already been trading accusations over conduct seen as incompatible with normal diplomatic practice. The case also highlights the sensitivity of foreign-linked cultural institutions in Iran, where authorities have previously taken a firm line on activities they view as political or intelligence-related.

The allegations made public by the judiciary were serious, but they have not yet been independently verified. The closure may further complicate efforts to maintain even limited channels of engagement between the two countries. It remains unclear whether the French side will challenge the closure or seek clarification through diplomatic channels.

It is also not yet known whether the centre will be allowed to reopen under different conditions or whether further measures are planned. For now, the main question is whether this dispute stays limited to the language centre or becomes part of a broader deterioration in Iran-France relations.

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