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WEF: Iran’s Araghchi withdraws from Davos amid ‘massacre’ accusations

WEF: Iran’s Araghchi withdraws from Davos amid ‘massacre’ accusations

Web Desk
Jan 20, 2026

WEB DESK: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will not attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, this week, the WEF confirmed on Monday. Araghchi had been scheduled for a one-on-one session on Tuesday but was officially withdrawn following Tehran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests.

WEF organisers said that given the recent civilian deaths, it was “not right” for Iran to be represented at this year’s summit.

The Iranian Foreign Minister will not be attending Davos.
Although he was invited last fall, the tragic loss of lives of civilians in Iran over the past few weeks means that it is not right for the Iranian government to be represented at Davos this year. pic.twitter.com/NRjbqAoqe9
— World Economic Forum (@wef) January 19, 2026

Rights Groups Condemn Crackdown

The decision comes after human rights groups described the crackdown as a “massacre,” with reports suggesting thousands have been killed. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported 3,919 fatalities as of Sunday, with fears the toll could be as high as 15,000.

The unrest is being compared to the chaos of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, making Iran a focal point for global concern. The numbers are, however, yet to be verified.

https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/2013348164707778731

Criticism from International Leaders

US Senator Lindsey Graham criticised the possibility of Araghchi attending, likening it to “inviting Hitler to a world event after Kristallnacht.” Graham said such an invitation would send the wrong message to Iranian protestors risking their lives for freedoms. The WEF later clarified that Araghchi would not participate, removing any scheduled session from the program.

Thank you on behalf of those seeking freedom from oppression throughout the world for your decision to not allow the Iranian Foreign Minister to speak at the Davos World Economic Forum.

I am very pleased to hear that those in charge of Davos realized having the Iranian Foreign…
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 19, 2026

Trump Set to Make Davos Return

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump will attend Davos for the first time in six years, leading what is expected to be the largest US delegation in history. Over the weekend, Trump called for an end to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s 37-year rule, announced a 25% tariff on countries trading with Tehran, and hinted at potential military intervention, though no immediate action has been taken.

Rising Tensions in the Region

Iran’s leadership has condemned Trump’s statements, with President Masoud Pezeshkian warning that any attack on the Supreme Leader would constitute a declaration of war. The escalating rhetoric underscores heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, even as protests continue across Iran. The world now watches closely as Iran navigates one of its deadliest periods in decades.