International🌐 Available in EnglishSeptember 21, 2026

Iran seals French language centre in Tehran, accuses it of illegal activities - Reuters

Iran seals French language centre in Tehran, accuses it of illegal activities - Reuters
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Iranian authorities have sealed a French language centre affiliated with the French embassy in Tehran following a judicial order, accusing it of illegal activities threatening national security and Iranian culture. Authorities claim the centre identified skilled Iranians and facilitated their departure from the country while operating without proper licensing.

Iran seals French language centre in Tehran, accuses it of illegal activities | Reuters

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Iran seals French language centre in Tehran, accuses it of illegal activities

By

Reuters

September 20, 2026

7:08 AM CDT

Updated 12 hours ago

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DUBAI, Sept 20 (Reuters) - Iranian authorities have sealed ​a French language centre ‌affiliated with the French embassy in ​Tehran following a ​judicial order, the Tehran ⁠prosecutor's office said ​on Sunday according ​to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

The centre operated for ​years under ​the cover of foreign-language teaching ‌despite ⁠repeated warnings to obtain a licence, authorities said, accusing ​it of ​activities ⁠against Iranian culture and national ​security, including ​identifying ⁠and building networks as well as ⁠facilitating ​the departure ​of skilled Iranians from the ​country.

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Reporting by Dubai Newsroom

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Tags:#إيران#فرنسا#طهران#السفارة الفرنسية#شؤون دولية#الأمن القومي

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