WANA (Jan 19) – Iran’s ambassador to Switzerland said on Tuesday that the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) decision regarding the non-participation of Iran’s foreign minister in this year’s Davos meeting was aimed at preventing Iran’s voice from reaching global audiences.

 

On Tuesday, January 19, 2026, Mahmoud Barimani, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Switzerland, commented on the WEF Secretariat’s announcement that Seyed Abbas Aragchi, Iran’s foreign minister, would not take part in this year’s forum.

 

He described the move as an unjustified action by the organizers of the World Economic Forum, taken under clear pressure and influence from anti-Iranian and “radical American-Zionist” currents.

 

He added that the decision reflects their fear of Iran’s message being heard by international audiences. Barimani said the move lacks any justification, runs completely counter to international norms and diplomatic etiquette, and damages the credibility of the World Economic Forum.

 

He further noted that the decision also calls into question Switzerland’s reputation as a country with a long-standing tradition of neutrality and commitment to diplomacy.

 

Earlier, the World Economic Forum announced in a statement that the invitation extended to Seyed Abbas Aragchi, Iran’s foreign minister, to attend the Davos summit—scheduled to be held from January 19 to 23 in Davos, Switzerland—had been withdrawn.

 

According to the statement, although Aragchi had been invited last autumn, the tragic deaths of civilians in Iran in recent weeks led the forum to conclude that the presence of a representative of the Iranian government at this year’s Davos meeting would not be appropriate.

 

The annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, which runs until January 23, is expected to host nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries.