Iran has closed a French language center affiliated with France’s embassy in Tehran over what Iranian authorities described as “illegal activities.”

The facility had operated for years “under the guise of language education” despite repeated warnings to obtain the required license, The Caspian Post reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

According to Tasnim news agency, the center had “misused the title of language learning” to carry out projects promoting what it described as anti-Iranian and anti-Islamic culture, as well as activities related to national security. It also alleged that the center sought to identify and network with elites and facilitate their departure from Iran.

France had not immediately commented on the Iranian decision.

Last month, France expelled Iranian diplomats after Tehran took a similar measure against French diplomats, accusing them of “interference” in Iran’s internal affairs.