WANA (May 14) – Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of the Center for Political and International Studies at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, announced that senior representatives from 53 countries will attend this year’s Tehran Dialogue Forum.

 

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the forum, which will be held on Sunday and Monday (May 18–19) at the Foreign Ministry’s research center in Tehran, Khatibzadeh stated, “This forum is Iran’s most important platform for diplomatic and international dialogue.”

 

He noted that the forum was not held last year due to the tragic death of the President and Foreign Minister, but it is being resumed this year.

 

200 Foreign Guests, 50 International Journalists

Khatibzadeh said around 200 foreign delegates, including several foreign ministers from regional countries, will participate. Additionally, 50 international journalists—alongside domestic media—will cover the event, with media playing a central role this year.

 

A delegation from the United Nations and about 40 European guests are also expected to attend. He mentioned that various delegations from the Persian Gulf region, some at ministerial level, are participating, along with deputy foreign ministers from China and Russia.

 

Focus on Meaningful Regional Dialogue

Khatibzadeh emphasized that the Tehran Dialogue Forum is a platform for meaningful exchange—not neutral or vague conversations. “This forum creates space for informal discussions on sensitive and important issues, beyond what is typically possible in official settings,” he said. “It allows for clearer articulation of countries’ positions and closer alignment of perspectives.”

 

He also mentioned that discussions will focus on regional agency and the key elements shaping regional order. The forum’s opening and closing sessions will be held at the highest levels.

 

High-Level Invites and Weekly Briefing During Forum

Khatibzadeh noted that Seyed Abbas Araghchi has invited 10 high-ranking international figures, many of whom have confirmed attendance. The Foreign Ministry’s regular weekly press briefing will be held during the forum on Monday.

 

He concluded by explaining that in past years, the Center had organized separate conferences on the Persian Gulf, Central Asia and the Caucasus, and Afghanistan—but in the last eight years, these have been merged into the Tehran Dialogue Forum.

 

“Iran is a responsible actor on the international stage, and it is our duty to host such platforms for global engagement,” he said.