France to summon Iran envoy after Tehran closes language centre

United Nations: France will summon Iran’s ambassador and take what it called appropriate measures after Iranian authorities closed a French language centre linked to the French embassy in Tehran.

Iran said the centre had operated without the required licence despite repeated warnings and accused it of activities against Iranian culture and national security, including building networks and helping skilled Iranians leave the country.

France rejected the allegations, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux describing the closure as unacceptable and part of what Paris says is growing pressure on its cultural and diplomatic presence in Iran.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent months following the arrest and expulsion of diplomats on both sides. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi are due to meet on Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.