Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has launched a sharp critique of the 2026 Munich Security Conference (MSC), accusing its organisers of turning a traditionally serious global forum into a “circus” over its handling of Iran-related participation. His remarks came after the conference withdrew invitations to senior Iranian officials amid ongoing protests in Iran and instead extended an invitation to opposition figure Reza Pahlavi.
The high-profile annual gathering, hosted by the Munich Security Conference, is known for convening world leaders and policymakers to deliberate on pressing geopolitical challenges. However, this year’s decision to exclude Tehran’s representatives and include Pahlavi — son of the former Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi — triggered a diplomatic backlash from Iran.
Pahlavi, who has no formal governing role in Iran, reportedly attended public rallies and gave multiple international media interviews during the conference. He also called on US President Donald Trump to bomb Iran, suggesting that such action would pave the way for his return to power. Tehran has condemned these remarks as inflammatory and destabilising.
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In a strongly worded post on X, Araghchi criticised what he described as the European Union’s inability to grasp internal developments within Iran. He labelled the EU an “empty-handed and peripheral” actor in serious international negotiations, particularly those concerning Iran’s nuclear programme. According to him, the bloc has lost geopolitical relevance in the region.
Despite heightened tensions, President Trump has publicly expressed preference for a negotiated nuclear settlement with Iran rather than military confrontation. Reports indicate he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he does not intend to initiate war, though he has also suggested that regime change in Iran could be beneficial. Meanwhile, Russia and China have warned that escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran are “potentially explosive” and have urged all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy.
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