Tehran has faced international condemnation in recent weeks after anti-government protests sparked a violent crackdown by authorities that killed more than 3,900 people, according to the AP news agency based on reports by activists. Araghchi has denounced the protestors’ actions as “ violent riots.”
Hours before the Swiss forum’s announcement, U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham slammed organizers for having invited Tehran’s top diplomat.
“I am sure an invite to the Iranian Foreign Minister to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos will be a morale booster to the protestors who are dying in the streets to attain the liberties and freedoms Europe takes for granted — maybe not. For those in charge of these programs, what the hell are you thinking?” Graham said.
He added: “Inviting the Iranian Foreign Minister to speak now would be akin to inviting Hitler to a world event after Kristallnacht. This decision gives tone deaf a new meaning.”
The WEF runs from Jan. 19-23; U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech on Wednesday.
The Munich Security Conference also said last Friday it had disinvited Iranian representatives, including Araghchi.