The new Iranian ambassador to Ireland has been prevented from officially taking up their duties by the Department of Foreign Affairs because of the regime's response to protests in Iran.
RTÉ News has learned that a planned formal ceremony to accredit the ambassador at Áras an Uachtaráin this morning was postponed.
The move followed a decision by the Department of Foreign Affairs who deemed it "inappropriate" to accredit the new ambassador given the situation in Iran at present.
However, the department insisted that the ceremony for the ambassador designate, Eshagh Al Habib, has not been cancelled but rather postponed.
Upon their arrival in Ireland, and before they can carry out their work, ambassadors must be officially welcomed by the President of Ireland.
They are officially accredited once the President accepts their credentials at a ceremony in the State Reception Room.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that the decision to postpone the ceremony was taken in light of protests in Iran in recent days which have seen very significant numbers of Iranians killed or injured and a communications blackout.
Opposition parties have welcomed the Government's decision, saying the delay is the correct step to take given what is happening in the country.
Asked about the decision this morning, the Green Party, Labour and the Social Democrats all said they understood why the postponement has taken place.
Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman said Ireland "should be using every diplomatic technique we have" to highlight what is happening in Iran, saying it is "absolutely vital the Government convey" Irish concerns about developments there.
Labour TD and foreign affairs spokesperson Duncan Smith said he believes the Department of Foreign Affairs has taken "the correct decision", and that it "would not be appropriate" for the appointment to take place at this stage.
Separately, Social Democrats deputy leader and TD Cian O'Callaghan said the situation in Iran and the crackdown on protesters is deeply concerning, adding there is a need for Ireland and the EU to reflect criticism of what is happening.
Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy said he also agreed with the Government's decision to postpone the formal ceremony.
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Speaking outside Leinster House, he said: "I think on the face of it, that is an appropriate response at this time until we see the full working out as to what's happening in Iran."
Mr Carthy said his party has "serious concerns for the treatment, abuse and killing of protestors in Iran".
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín added that he agreed with any approach by the Government to "reduce the legitimacy" of the Iranian regime.
"What's happening in Iran is of great significance," he said. "We hope there is a transition from autocratic to a democratic country."
UK summons Iranian ambassador amid new sanctions
Meanwhile, the UK's Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has summoned the Iranian ambassador over the crackdown on protests in the country, with the UK issuing new sanctions on the regime.
Ms Cooper told the Commons reports on the violence carried out by the Iranian government against protesters in recent weeks may not reflect the severity of the situation, and they could be far worse.
She said she had spoken to the Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi yesterday and had voiced the UK's "total abhorrence of the killings, the violence and the repression".
New restrictions will be brought in on "full and further sanctions" in Iran’s oil, energy, nuclear and financial sectors, Ms Cooper said.
She added that the decision to summon the ambassador came as she wanted answers on the "horrific reports" and to "underline the gravity of the moment".
Additional reporting by PA
