National anthem crisis on the Iran-Taliban line
Delegation to negotiate with the Taliban to be named in 3 days, Doha, March 7, 2020 (AA Photo)
During the opening of the International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran, where Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was also present, the Taliban representative caused controversy by not standing for Iran’s national anthem, sparking backlash.
At the event, held in the capital city, all other participants stood as the anthem played, except for the Taliban representative. This action drew widespread criticism from the Iranian media and public, with some even questioning why the Taliban was invited to the conference.
In response to the growing outrage, Iran’s Special Envoy to Afghanistan, Hassan Kazemi, took to social media platform X, stating, “There is no justification or precedent for disrespecting diplomatic principles under the pretext of banning music.”
On September 18, Taliban officials similarly refused to stand during Pakistan’s national anthem at a ceremony in Peshawar. Pakistan labeled this action a “violation of diplomatic protocol” and issued a formal protest.
In response, the Afghan Consulate in Peshawar stated that the Taliban’s opposition to music led them to ban Afghanistan’s national anthem as well.
