Iran summoned the acting head of Afghanistan’s embassy on Friday after accusing a visiting Afghan official of disrespecting the Iranian national anthem by remaining seated. This incident follows a similar controversy in Pakistan.
Standing during the national anthem is a common expression of respect and patriotism worldwide, symbolizing honor for a nation’s values.
In Pakistan, an Afghan diplomat faced backlash for staying seated during the anthem at a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government event, which drew widespread criticism on social media. The Afghan consulate responded by downplaying the situation, claiming the decision was due to “music in the anthem.”
During a conference in Tehran focused on Islamic unity, the Afghan delegate apologized but explained that he did not stand because the Taliban has banned music in public settings.
An Iranian foreign ministry statement condemned the Afghan official’s actions as “unconventional and unacceptable,” asserting that he had disrespected the national anthem of the Islamic Republic. The ministry emphasized the importance of respecting the host country’s symbols and noted that such behavior contradicts diplomatic customs.
In a video apology shared on Friday, the Afghan official stated that it was not his intention to offend, explaining that remaining seated during anthems is customary in Afghanistan.
Iran shares a 900-kilometer border with Afghanistan but has not officially recognized the Taliban government since it took power in August 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S. forces.
