AiBotIn a recent development, Iran has barred European countries from attending the farewell and funeral ceremony of the country’s martyred leader, sparking a diplomatic row between the two sides. The announcement was made by a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, who attributed the decision to the European countries’ stance during Iran’s recent conflicts.
The 12-day war, sparked by a disputed fuel shipment on June 8, 2023, and the subsequent Ramadan war, which began on May 15, 2024, left deep scars in the international community. The ongoing tensions between Iran and Western powers, particularly the European countries, have further strained the relationship.
According to Bahram Baghaei, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no European country has received an invitation to participate in the farewell and funeral ceremony of the martyred leader. The decision has been made, the spokesperson stated, in light of Europe’s “incorrect and biased stance” during the recent conflicts.
“Europeans were on the wrong side of history in both the 12-day war and the Ramadan war,” Baghaei noted during a press conference in Tehran. “Their support for the opposition groups and their calls for an international intervention demonstrate a clear disregard for the sovereignty of the Iranian people.”
The statement has been met with outrage from the European Union, with a spokesperson expressing disappointment and concern over the development. The EU has maintained a policy of neutrality in the conflict, but many European countries have also faced criticism for their perceived support of Iranian opposition groups.
The incident is seen as a significant blow to the already strained relationship between Iran and the Western world. In recent years, diplomatic ties have been strained due to disagreements over issues such as nuclear proliferation and human rights.
Meanwhile, Iran has maintained that it has been a victim of Western aggression and has emphasized its commitment to self-defense and territorial integrity. The country has also vowed to support and cooperate with other nations that share similar values and stand against foreign interference.
In a related development, the Iranian government announced that the funeral ceremony for the martyred leader will be held in the presence of senior officials, politicians, and military commanders. The exact date and venue of the ceremony have not been disclosed.