French language centre in Tehran shut down, France takes countermeasures
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A French language education centre affiliated with the French Embassy in Tehran has been shut down by Iranian authorities, prompting France to take countermeasures. The French Foreign Ministry said the Iranian ambassador will be summoned and appropriate measures will be taken.
Earlier on Sunday, Tehran shut down the centre under a judicial order over allegations of involvement in “illegal activities.” Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that the decision was made because the centre was allegedly conducting illegal activities under the guise of language education and engaging in conduct contrary to recognized diplomatic norms.
On Sunday, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux said in a statement that the new attack on France’s cultural presence in Iran was unjustified and unacceptable following an attack on two French Embassy employees in July.
Relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply over Iran’s nuclear program and the detention of several French citizens in Tehran. Relations improved somewhat after Tehran later released the detainees. However, the situation deteriorated again after Tehran arrested and later expelled two French diplomats.
Tehran said the centre had been warned several times to obtain a license to operate in accordance with laws and regulations. However, it said the centre had continued its activities for years “under the guise of language education” despite the instructions.
The judicial order also said the centre’s activities were in conflict with Iranian culture and national security. Paris has denied the allegations.
France said Tehran had been increasing pressure since the protests against the Iranian government earlier this year as France sought to strengthen ties with Iranian civil society.
Diplomats said Iran was also angered by a social media post by French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot on the fourth anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the post as “crocodile tears.” He added, “When the United States was carrying out a massacre of our schoolchildren your silence said everything.”
Araghchi also accused Paris of responsibility for the killing of 1.5 million Algerians during Algeria’s war of independence.
The two foreign ministers are expected to meet on Tuesday on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations.
Source: Reuters (Adapted)
