Iran summons Australian ambassador over social media controversy

Following the publication of an offensive post on social media by the Australian Embassy in Tehran Australian Ambassador Ian McConville was summoned to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs this Tuesday by the head of the Regional Affairs Department.

Following the publication of an offensive post on social media by the Australian Embassy in Tehran, Australian Ambassador Ian McConville was summoned to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs this Tuesday by the head of the Regional Affairs Department.

The head of the Regional Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong objections to the Australian Embassy's dissemination of this inappropriate content, severely condemning the move.

He added: “The content published by the Australian Embassy is offensive and contrary to Iranian and Islamic norms, customs, and culture. It must be appropriately rectified, and strict measures should be taken to prevent any recurrence. Furthermore, such an action by the [Australian] Embassy is in violation of international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which mandates that diplomatic missions respect the laws and regulations of the host country."

The head of the Regional Affairs Department also noted: “The history of Iran's foreign relations demonstrates the high sensitivity of public opinion and their reaction to such norm-breaking behaviors."

The Australian Ambassador emphasized that his embassy certainly had no intention of insulting the Iranian people or their values, stating: "No mention of Iran was made in the post in question."

He further stated that he would convey the concerns and position of the Iranian government to Canberra.