'Crocodile tears': Why Iran shut French centre in Tehran as Paris summons envoy

Iran has closed a French language centre linked to the French embassy in Tehran, prompting Paris to summon Iran’s ambassador and warn that it will take further measures.

The Centre de Langue Française was shut following a judicial order from Tehran’s prosecutor’s office, according to Iranian authorities. Tehran accused the centre of operating for years without the required licence despite repeated warnings. It also alleged that the facility went beyond language teaching and was involved in activities it considered harmful to Iranian culture and national security, including building networks and helping skilled Iranians leave the country.

France has rejected such allegations and condemned the closure.

“This new attack against France’s cultural presence in Iran, following the assault on two staff members of the French embassy last July, is unjustifiable and unacceptable," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux said.

Araghchi’s ‘crocodile tears’ remark

The latest dispute comes days after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hit back at French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot over his comments marking the fourth anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death.

Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman, died in Iranian custody in September 2022, triggering nationwide protests.

Araghchi described Barrot’s remarks as “crocodile tears” and accused France of its colonial record in Algeria. He also criticised Paris over what Iran sees as silence regarding a US strike that Tehran says killed Iranian schoolchildren.

Ties between Paris and Tehran remain strained

The closure adds to a series of disputes between Iran and France over diplomatic activity, detained nationals, Iran’s nuclear programme and Paris’ engagement with Iranian civil society.

Tensions had also escalated after French and Iranian diplomats were arrested and expelled in recent months. France has said two of its embassy staff were held for hours in July and that one was beaten, while Iran has denied the allegation.

France has now said Iran’s ambassador will be summoned at the Quai d’Orsay. The French Foreign Ministry said Paris would take “appropriate measures” in response to the closure.

The timing is particularly significant as Araghchi and Barrot are scheduled to meet on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the latest dispute is expected to add another difficult issue to the agenda.