Tehran Municipality's Account of Zakhani's Trip to Brussels; It Was Good

Following the controversies surrounding Tehran's mayor's trip to Brussels and the resignation of the city's urban planning and international affairs official due to hosting Tehran's mayor and two Russian guests, the spokesperson for Tehran Municipality has now evaluated the trip as 'good.' Abdol-Motahar Mohammadi-Khani stated that a positive aspect of the trip was the meeting with the ambassador and some Iranians, traders, and Iranian elites present in Brussels. However, images shared on social media show that a group of Iranians residing in Belgium protested Alireza Zakhani's presence at the Metropolis General Assembly in Brussels on Tuesday, June 13. Mohammadi-Khani elaborated that there was also an urban visit during this trip, and the Iranian ambassador invited the Tehran mayor to visit parts of Brussels, but due to security reasons, the visit was limited to certain areas. He described the reaction to Zakhani's presence in Brussels as orchestrated by pro-sanction figures and anti-revolutionary groups. The spokesperson also indirectly referred to the fabrication of cases against Iranians living in Europe and the gathering of evidence, stating that 'our media team filmed this gathering to prevent the media from portraying it as widespread.' Mohammadi-Khani, without naming Darya Safai, identified her as a factor behind the protests and positions against this trip, noting a new wave in 'the media and anti-revolutionary groups that was supported by an Iranian-born woman and forced the urban planning official of Brussels Municipality to resign.' Following the resignation of the urban planning official, Darya Safai, an Iranian-born member of the Belgian Federal Parliament, also called for the resignation of the country's foreign minister. On Tuesday, June 19, Safai told a Belgian media outlet that 'Haja Lahbib, the Belgian foreign minister, must resign from his position.' This parliament member emphasized: 'Today we demand the resignation of the foreign minister. We need a minister who accepts responsibility.' In this regard, the Belgian foreign minister announced that he would explain this matter in a parliamentary foreign relations committee meeting on Wednesday. Darya Safai: 'Labeling the IRGC as terrorist by Europe will hit it hard economically.' Darya Safai: 'The European Union must keep the diplomatic path open with the Iranian government.' Darya Safai: 'The West was waiting for the victory of the Iranian people's revolution but is now inclined to negotiate with the Islamic Republic.' Controversial visa for Zakhani and the Russians; 'It is time for the resignation of the Belgian foreign minister.' Controversy over the presence of a 'terrorist Basij' in Brussels; a Belgian official resigned due to the invitation of Zakhani. Amnesty International criticized the release of Assadollah Assadi: This action endangers the opponents of the Islamic Republic. Iran and Belgium exchanged two prisoners; a Belgian aid worker and Assadollah Assadi, the imprisoned diplomat, were released.