In a move seen as a diplomatic tit-for-tat, Iran has closed two German educational and cultural centers in Tehran, citing "illegal activities and financial fraud.

" This action follows Germany's closure of the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) in July, which was accused of extremist tendencies and acting as a representative of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The German government condemned Iran's decision, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange for mutual understanding.

The closures have further strained diplomatic relations between Tehran and Berlin, which have been tense due to past incidents involving detained German nationals in Iran.

The German Language Institute in Tehran, established in 1995 by the German Embassy, was among the closed institutions.

Iran's move is widely interpreted as a response to Germany's actions against the IZH.