France has summoned Iran's ambassador in response to the closure of a French language centre in Tehran, according to the French Foreign Ministry. The move follows recent tensions between the two nations over Iran's nuclear program and the detention of French nationals.
Iran closed the French language centre, which operated under the guise of language instruction, citing security concerns. The centre was accused of activities against Iranian culture and national security, including identifying and building networks among the country's elite. France has previously dismissed such allegations, attributing them to a pattern of intimidation.
The French Foreign Ministry stated that the closure of the centre is an attack on France's cultural presence in Iran, following the assault on two embassy staff last July. The two countries are set to meet at the United Nations, highlighting ongoing tensions over diplomatic and security issues.
Iran's foreign minister accused France of slaughtering 1.5 million Algerians during the war of independence, a claim France has rejected. The dispute over the language centre closure underscores the complex and strained relationship between France and Iran, with both sides vowing to take appropriate measures.