Iran does not seek hostility with the European Union but will respond proportionately to any restrictive measures imposed against it, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, condemning what he described as discriminatory European actions targeting Tehran.
In a post on the social media platform X, Araghchi said the European Parliament had failed to take any meaningful action against the Israeli enemy throughout more than two years of war on the Gaza Strip, despite the killing of nearly 70,000 Palestinians and the pursuit of the Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes. He noted that Netanyahu has continued to move freely within European airspace during this period.
More than two years of Genocide in Gaza that has claimed the lives of 70,000 Palestinians has not led the European Parliament to take any real action against Israel. Even as Netanyahu is wanted for war crimes by the ICC, he freely flies over European airspace.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) January 13, 2026
In contrast, it… pic.twitter.com/GSJteptULZ
Criticism of Sanctions on Iranian Diplomats
By contrast, FM Araghchi said, only “a few days of violent unrest” in Iran were sufficient for the European Parliament to impose what he described as an effective ban on Iranian diplomats. He stressed that “people are not naive” and can clearly see these double standards.
Sharp Rebuke of Germany’s Human Rights Posture
In a separate statement, the Iranian foreign minister directed strong criticism at Germany, saying it is now “the least qualified” country to lecture others on human rights, citing what he described as Berlin’s double standards, which he said have eroded its remaining credibility.
Araghchi said the German chancellor has been quick to condemn developments in Iran and portray “violence as a sign of weakness,” while at the same time providing full support for the killing of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza.
Of all governments, the one in Germany is perhaps the worst placed to address "human rights". The reason is simple: its blatant double-standards over the past years have obliterated any shred of credibility.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) January 13, 2026
When Iran defeats terrorists who kill civilians and police officers,… pic.twitter.com/0tvkFTYecM
He also pointed to the chancellor’s praise for what he described as the Israeli enemy’s “unjustified and illegal aggression” last summer against civilian homes and facilities inside Iran, calling it a “dirty act” carried out on Europe’s behalf. He further criticized Germany’s silence over what he described as the abduction of a head of state by the United States.
Call for Accountability
Concluding his remarks, Araghchi said that lectures by his German counterpart on “human rights and legitimacy” are devoid of any value. He called on Berlin to show “a measure of shame” and to end what he described as its “illegitimate interference” in the region, including support for “genocide and terrorism.”
Source: Al-Manar Website