"This Gentleman Took Away Our Honor:” Iranian FM’s UN Speech in English Sparks Anger, Sarcasm

With his speech at the United Nations’ headquarters this week, Iran's foreign minister brought his poor proficiency in English to the world’s attention and drew numerous sarcastic and angry reactions among Iranians.

Some social media users compared Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's English skills with those of an old Iranian farmer, while members of the Islamic Republic’s clerical establishment raised concern about the potential humiliation for Iran when the minister insists on speaking English on global platforms.

Mohammad Ali Abtahi, who headed the president’s office during Mohammad Khatami’s presidency, pointed out the common practice among world leaders to speak in their native language during international events. 

🎞️ With his speech at the United Nations’ headquarters this week, #Iran's foreign minister brought his poor proficiency in English to the world’s attention and drew numerous sarcastic and angry reactions among Iranians.

Some social media users compared Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's… pic.twitter.com/N5rDdM0nDP

— IranWire (@IranWireEnglish) January 25, 2024

"In international organizations, numerous presidents or foreign ministers opt to speak in their native language, and simultaneous translation systems are readily available," he said. "However, Mr. Amir-Abdollahian's insistence on speaking English or Arabic raises concerns about the potential humiliation of the country.”

Drawing parallels with Mohammad Javad Zarif, a former foreign minister known for his fluency in English, one social media user called Amir-Abdollahian's address in English “an insult to Iran's dignity.”

"The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of Iran are expected to speak Persian in official meetings, even if they possess English proficiency comparable to Zarif, who spoke eloquently," this social media user wote. 

An X user wrote a post saying, "When an illiterate Iran’s foreign minister goes to New York to attend [a Security Council meeting] and can’t even read what the government dictated for him.”

"This gentleman has taken away our honor. What contributions have you made to Iran's reputation today?" another one asked.

"I would undoubtedly suffer a heart attack if I were to watch Amir-Abdallahian's speech in English again," a user wrote on X.