World Economic Forum revokes Iran FM’s invitation 'under US-Israeli pressure'

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has rescinded its invitation to Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, to attend the Davos summit in Switzerland, following Tehran's response to US- and Israeli-backed riots which erupted in the country earlier this month.

The Forum's sudden reversal, announced Monday, directly cites security measures Iran took to restore order in the country following violent riots instigated by foreign-backed elements.

“The Iranian Foreign Minister will not be attending Davos,” the World Economic Forum said in a post on X on Monday.

Araghchi had been scheduled to speak on Tuesday during the summit at the Swiss ski resort town.

“Although he was invited last fall, the tragic loss of lives of civilians in Iran over the past few weeks means that it is not right for the Iranian government to be represented at Davos this year,” it claimed.

Iran’s ambassador to Switzerland, Mahmoud Barimani, decried the “unjustified” move, stressing that it was “undoubtedly taken under the pressure and obvious influence of anti-Iranian and radical American-Zionist factions.”

The Iranian diplomat added that it “reflects their fear of Iran's voice reaching international audiences.”

“This action has no justification and is completely contrary to international norms and decorum, and undermines the credibility of the World Economic Forum. It also casts doubt on Switzerland's reputation as a country with a history of neutrality and efforts for diplomacy,” Barimani noted.

The WEF's decision comes as stability has been restored across Iran following a period of foreign-instigated unrest.

What began as peaceful protests late last month gradually turned violent, as rioters rampaged through cities across the country, killing security forces and attacking public infrastructure.

The US and Israel have acknowledged their direct involvement on the ground, 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."

In a Farsi-language social media post, Israel's spy agency Mossad encouraged rioters to “Go out together into the streets. The time has come,” adding that Mossad operatives are with the rioters "not only from a distance and verbally. We are with [them] in the field.”

Germany, one of the United States' closest and strongest allies in Europe, also stated its opposition to extending an invitation to Iranian officials.

The Munich Security Conference on Friday said it was also withdrawing an invitation to Araqchi.

"Several weeks ago, invitations were extended to individual government representatives from Iran. In light of current events, the Munich Security Conference will not be maintaining these invitations," it said in an emailed statement.

Iranian officials say that the recent foreign-backed riots within the country mark the second phase of the Israeli regime's war against Iran, following its 12-day military aggression in June.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir