Iran shuts French Language Centre in Tehran over alleged illegal activities

Iranian authorities shut down the French Language Centre in Tehran on Sunday, saying the institute linked to the French embassy carried out “illegal acts that violated diplomatic conventions” and abused its status as a language‑training facility. The closure was ordered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the centre’s doors were sealed by police.

The centre, known locally as the CLF, has been a hub for Iranians learning French and for cultural exchange between the two countries. Its closure comes amid a wave of diplomatic friction that has been building since France criticised Iran’s human‑rights record and urged a restart of nuclear talks in early 2024. Tehran has been tightening control over foreign NGOs and cultural institutions, accusing them of espionage or political meddling. The move also follows the recent expulsion of a French diplomat over alleged interference in Iranian elections.

Iran’s foreign ministry released a statement that the centre “exploited its educational cover to conduct activities contrary to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.” French officials denied the accusations, calling them “baseless” and saying the centre only offered language classes and cultural events. France’s foreign ministry said it would take “appropriate measures” and summoned Iran’s ambassador in Paris for clarification. The French embassy in Tehran warned that the closure could affect dozens of Iranian students and scholars who rely on the centre for language certification and academic links.

What happens next will test the fragile diplomatic channel between Tehran and Paris. France may lodge a formal protest at the United Nations or impose limited sanctions on Iranian officials. Iran could further restrict other foreign cultural centres, tightening its grip on soft‑power exchanges. For Iranians, the shutdown means fewer opportunities to learn French and a chilling signal that cultural ties are now a bargaining chip in broader geopolitical disputes.