Iran Summons Afghan Diplomat Over National Anthem Disrespect at Islamic Unity Conference
TEHRAN – The Iranian foreign ministry summoned the acting head of Afghanistan’s embassy on Friday after an Afghan official failed to stand during the Iranian national anthem at a conference in Tehran. The incident occurred during an event on Islamic unity, leading to a “strong protest” from Iran over what they deemed “unconventional and unacceptable” behavior.
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Afghan Official Apologizes, Cites Taliban Ban on Music
The Afghan delegate, who was attending the Islamic Unity Conference, apologized following the incident. He explained that the decision not to stand for the national anthem was due to the Taliban’s ban on music in public. According to the Afghan official, sitting during national anthems has become customary for Taliban representatives.
The Iranian foreign ministry condemned the action, stating it violated diplomatic custom and disrespected the national symbols of Iran. They added that respect for national anthems is internationally recognized and necessary in diplomatic settings.
For a deeper look into Afghan policies under the Taliban, check out Al Jazeera’s Analysis.
Similar Incident in Pakistan
This incident closely mirrored an event earlier in the week in Pakistan, where Afghan officials remained seated during the playing of the Pakistani national anthem at a conference in Peshawar. Afghan representatives in both cases have claimed that their actions were not meant as disrespect but were in adherence to the Taliban’s ban on music.
The Pakistani foreign ministry had similarly summoned Afghanistan’s charge d’affaires in Islamabad to protest the behavior.
For more details on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, visit Ground Zero’s Pakistan Section.
Iran-Afghanistan Diplomatic Relations
While Iran shares a 900km (550-mile) border with Afghanistan, it has not officially recognized the Taliban government since they came to power in August 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. forces. This latest diplomatic issue adds further strain to the already complex relations between the two neighboring countries.
For more on Iran’s regional policies, visit BBC World News.
Key Takeaways:
•Iran summoned the Afghan diplomat after an Afghan official failed to stand for Iran’s national anthem at a conference in Tehran.
•The Afghan representative apologized, citing the Taliban’s ban on music as the reason for remaining seated.
•A similar incident involving Afghan officials occurred earlier in the week in Pakistan.
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