Iran’s Foreign Ministry has denied a published story about Foreign Minister Javad Zarif’s wife being subjected to a travel ban.
On Sunday, May 16, the Telegram channel Saham News, which is linked to house-arrested reformist cleric Mehdi Karroubi, said that Maryam Imaniyeh had been blocked from traveling abroad.
The missive came weeks after a taped interview with Zarif was leaked to Iran International, sparking controversy inside Iran due to the outgoing foreign minister’s complaints about diplomacy being hampered by the Revolutionary Guards.
Saham claimed Maryam Imaniyeh had discovered she was not allowed to leave the country after attempting to travel to Dubai.
But Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh insisted the claims were false, adding that Imaniyeh had recently accompanied her husband on a trip to Syria.
Zarif arrived in Damascus last Wednesday for a one-day visit as head of a diplomatic delegation scheduled to meet with Palestinian group leaders at the end of the trip.
Reporters close to the Iranian government have since published pictures of his wife in Syria.
Related coverage:
Revolutionary Guards Raid President and Foreign Minister's Offices
Zarif Blames Russia and the Guards for Harming the JCPOA in Leaked Interview
Zarif Apologizes After Khamenei Reprimands Him in Telling Speech
visit the accountability section
In this section of Iran Wire, you can contact the officials and launch your campaign for various problems
Interested in writing for IranWire?
Share your stories.
comments