AhlulBayt News Agency: The World Economic Forum (WEF) has withdrawn its invitation to Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to attend the Davos summit in Switzerland, citing Tehran’s response to US- and Israeli-backed riots earlier this month.
The Forum’s sudden reversal, announced Monday, referred directly to the security measures taken by Iran to restore order after violent unrest instigated by foreign-backed groups.
“The Iranian Foreign Minister will not be attending Davos,” the WEF stated in a post on X.
Araghchi had been scheduled to deliver remarks on Tuesday during the summit in the Swiss resort town.
The Forum added: “Although he was invited last fall, the tragic civilian deaths in Iran in recent weeks make it inappropriate for the Iranian government to be represented at Davos this year.”
Iran’s ambassador to Switzerland, Mahmoud Barimani, condemned the move as “unjustified,” stressing it was made under pressure from anti-Iranian and radical American-Zionist factions.
The diplomat further said the decision “shows their fear of Iran’s voice reaching international audiences.”
Barimani added: “This action lacks justification, violates international norms and decorum, undermines the credibility of the World Economic Forum, and casts doubt on Switzerland’s reputation for neutrality and diplomacy.”
The WEF’s decision comes after stability was restored in Iran following a period of foreign-instigated unrest.
Initially peaceful protests late last month turned violent, with rioters attacking infrastructure and killing security personnel.
The US and Israel openly acknowledged involvement, with former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeting: “Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also, to every Mossad agent walking beside them.”
Israel’s Mossad, in a Farsi-language post, urged rioters to “Go out together into the streets. The time has come,” adding that its operatives were present “not only from a distance and verbally, but in the field.”
Germany, a close US ally, also opposed extending invitations to Iranian officials.
On Friday, the Munich Security Conference announced it was rescinding its invitation to Araghchi, stating: “Several weeks ago, invitations were extended to Iranian representatives. In light of current events, these invitations will not be maintained.”
Iranian officials say the recent foreign-backed riots mark the second phase of Israel’s war against Iran, following its 12-day military aggression in June.
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