ISLAMABAD (TDI): Iran summoned the acting head of Afghanistan’s embassy after an Afghan official remained seated during Iran’s national anthem at a conference in Tehran.
This incident follows a similar occurrence in Pakistan, where an Afghan diplomat faced backlash for not standing during the Pakistani anthem.
Iran Summons Afghanistan Ambassador
Standing for a national anthem is a widely recognized gesture of respect.
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In Pakistan, officials condemned the Afghan diplomat’s actions as “reprehensible disrespect,” while the Afghan consulate explained that the envoy remained seated due to the Taliban’s ban on music in public spaces.
During the Islamic Unity Conference, the Afghan delegate apologized but reiterated that he did not stand because of the music ban.
In response, Iran’s foreign ministry issued a statement lodging a “strong protest” over what it termed an “unconventional and unacceptable action,” emphasizing that respecting the national anthem is a vital diplomatic custom.
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The statement underscored that honoring the national symbols of host countries is an internationally recognized expectation.
