According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a coalition of 32 nations and the European Union hypocritically lectures Tehran on human rights while supporting what he termed Israeli war crimes in Gaza and Western aggression against Iran. Araghchi issued the remarks on Thursday, August 13, 2026, as reported by Iranian state media Press TV, following a joint diplomatic declaration condemning Iran’s execution rates.
France and 32 Nations Condemn Iran Over Death Penalty
France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 32 countries, alongside EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, signed a joint declaration targeting Tehran’s judicial practices. According to AFP, the coalition includes the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, and Germany. The statement asserted that Iran executes demonstrators to silence dissent.
“The use of the death penalty to silence dissent, intimidate society, and punish individuals exercising their human rights, never can be justified,” the joint statement declared, according to AFP. The declaration originally started with 26 signatory nations before six additional countries joined the diplomatic push, demanding that Iran immediately halt executions and release arbitrarily detained individuals.
Tehran Fires Back at Western Double Standards
Responding via a social media post on X, Araghchi dismissed the European-led criticism as profoundly hypocritical. According to Press TV, the Iranian diplomat argued that Western nations have forfeited any moral authority they claimed to hold.
“Countries like France must stop giving lectures to the world on ‘human rights’ and international law. This hypocrisy is stark and shameful,” Araghchi posted. He specifically tied the rebuke to Western backing of military actions in the Middle East, stating that support for Israeli operations in Gaza and perceived aggression against Iran destroyed their diplomatic standing on human rights.
Did you know?
The joint statement on Iran’s capital punishment began with 26 initial signatories before expanding to 32 nations, encompassing major European partners and transatlantic allies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who signed the joint declaration against Iran?
According to AFP and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 32 nations—including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, and Germany—alongside EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, signed the statement.
What was Iran’s official response to the Western statement?
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the criticism on X, accusing Western nations of hypocrisy for lecturing on human rights while supporting Israel and the United States.
Why did the coalition condemn Iran?
The coalition condemned Iran’s ongoing executions of protesters, stating that Tehran uses capital punishment to silence dissent and intimidate the public.
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