Munich Security Conference scraps invitation to Iran’s Araghchi over deadly crackdown on protests

The Munich Security Conference, one of the world’s top security forums, says it is withdrawing an invitation to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi after the Tehran government’s crackdown on protests across Iran this week.

“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 says in an emailed statement.

This year’s gathering of security experts and policymakers takes place on February 13-15. The organizers say they aimed to invite participants who could provide significant policy insights, but always consider political developments before finalizing the list.

The Berlin foreign ministry says Germany is against inviting Iranian officials given the events in Iran, where thousands have been reported killed in a crackdown on demonstrations against clerical rule.