The French government has strongly condemned the closure of the French Language Center in Tehran by Iranian authorities. In a statement released on September 20, 2026, French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux denounced the move as a "new attack on French cultural activities in Iran." The center, linked to the French Embassy, was shut down by Tehran's judiciary, which accused it of "illegal activities."
According to the French Foreign Ministry, the closure follows an "aggression against two French Embassy agents" in July 2026. The French government views this decision as "injustifiable and unacceptable." The ministry emphasized that the closure will affect "thousands of Iranians who benefit from French courses offered by the center every year." The center had been operating for over 20 years, offering French language courses, hosting exams, and maintaining a media library.
The Iranian judiciary had reportedly issued multiple warnings to the center regarding the need to obtain proper authorization. The center was accused of disregarding national legislation and ignoring these warnings. As a result, the Tehran prosecutor's office ordered the center's closure. The Iranian judiciary's communication agency, Mizan, announced the closure on September 20, 2026.
The French government has vowed to take "appropriate measures" in response to the center's closure. The move has strained relations between France and Iran, with France viewing the closure as an attack on its cultural presence in Iran. The French Language Center was a key institution promoting French language and culture in Iran.
The closure of the French Language Center has sparked concerns about the future of cultural exchange between France and Iran. The center played a significant role in fostering people-to-people diplomacy and promoting mutual understanding between the two nations. Its closure may have far-reaching implications for bilateral relations.
Iran's decision to close the center has been met with disappointment from the French government and the Iranian community that benefited from its services. The center's closure may also impact the thousands of Iranians who have learned French through its programs. The French government is expected to respond to the situation in the coming days.
The incident highlights the complexities of France-Iran relations, which have been strained in recent years. The closure of the French Language Center is seen as a setback to efforts to strengthen cultural ties between the two nations. Diplomatic efforts are likely to continue to address the situation and find a resolution.
Key points
- France condemns Iran's closure of its language center as unjustifiable and unacceptable.
- The closure affects thousands of Iranians who benefit from French courses offered by the center.
- The incident strains France-Iran relations, with France vowing to take appropriate measures in response.
