Opponents of the Iranian government said the congratulatory note risked appearing inconsistent with the U.N.’s stated concerns.
A formal message from U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres congratulating Iran on the anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution has triggered criticism from Iranian opposition figures and human rights advocates, particularly after the brutal crackdown against protesters, IRNA reports.
According to Iranian state and regional reports published Wednesday, Guterres wrote to President Masoud Pezeshkian to convey his “warmest congratulations on the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
The letter characterized such national observances as opportunities to reflect on a country’s historical path and its contributions to the international community.