French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for the Iranian ambassador to be summoned, while France said it would take “appropriate measures” in response to Iran’s decision.
French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux described the closure as “a new attack on French cultural activities in Iran,” stressing that it was unacceptable and unjustified.
On Sunday, September 20, 2026, Iran announced the closure of the French language institute, accusing it of engaging in activities that violated the law and agreements governing relations between the two countries.
Iran said the institute was affiliated with the French Embassy in Tehran and had operated for years under the stated purpose of providing language courses.
The Iranian authorities accused the institute of abusing its privileges as a language school and attempting to “identify and establish ways of cooperating” with influential individuals in the country and assist them in leaving Iran.
France rejected the allegations, announcing that it would take retaliatory measures and summon Iran’s ambassador in Paris to provide explanations.
