Iran Breaks Tradition, Invites Leaders to Rohani Inauguration
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Iran is inviting foreign heads of state to attend the swearing-in ceremony for new President Hassan Rohani next month, in a break with the Islamic Republic’s traditions.
“For the first time, Iran decided to invite foreign dignitaries,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Araghchi said. All nations except the U.S. and Israel are invited, he told reporters in Tehran on July 23. Iran hasn’t had diplomatic ties with the U.S. for more than three decades, and doesn’t recognize Israel. Previous events were attended by ambassadors, according to state-run Press TV.