France announced it would summon Iran's ambassador and take further action after Iranian authorities closed a French language center affiliated with the embassy in Tehran. The French Foreign Ministry characterized the closure as an "unjustifiable and unacceptable" act and a "new attack against France’s cultural presence in Iran."
This development follows a prior incident in July where two French embassy staff members were reportedly attacked. Ties between the two nations have been strained for years, exacerbated by concerns over Iran's nuclear program and the detention of several French nationals.
Iranian authorities, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, initiated the closure based on a judicial order from the Tehran prosecutor's office. Reports indicate the center operated for years without a required license, with authorities citing alleged activities against Iranian culture and national security, including network building and facilitating the departure of skilled Iranians.
France has refuted these allegations, suggesting a pattern of intimidation in recent months. Paris had sought to increase support for and contact with Iran's civil society following a crackdown on protests earlier in the year. The situation has further deteriorated over the summer, with the expulsion of diplomats from both countries.
Relations were also impacted by a social media post from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot commemorating the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, which triggered widespread protests in Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded critically to Barrot's post, accusing Paris of historical aggressions and hypocrisy.
The French and Iranian foreign ministers are scheduled to meet on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly gathering in New York.