The Closure of German Language Institute in Tehran: A Diplomatic Dispute
Judicial authorities in Tehran shut down two branches of the German Language Institute, accusing them of being “illegal centers affiliated with the German government.” Eyewitnesses reported security personnel cordoning off one branch, sparking controversy and drawing condemnation from Germany.
The DSIT, founded by the German Embassy in Tehran, offered German language courses for young people and adults. Germany’s Foreign Office criticized the closure, calling it unjustifiable and demanding the immediate reopening of the institute to promote mutual understanding through linguistic exchange. The closure was seen as a retaliatory move against the closure of the Hamburg Islamic Center in Germany earlier.
This diplomatic dispute adds strain to German-Iranian relations, marked by tensions and arrests of German nationals in Iran. The closure of the language institute reflects broader geopolitical tensions between the two countries, highlighting the challenges of cultural diplomacy in a time of political unrest.
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