Kazem Gharibabadi

Kazem Gharibabadi is an Iranian diplomat and legal expert who is the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Legal and International Affairs of Iran. He has held senior roles in Iran's legal and diplomatic institutions. Gharibabadi has been involved in debates about human rights, and in nuclear negotiations and international diplomacy.[1][2][3] In late February 2026, lawyers filed a universal jurisdiction case against Gharibabadi in Switzerland, accusing him of crimes against humanity during the Iranian government crackdown against the Mahsa Amini protests and calling for his arrest.[4]

Career

Deputy Foreign Minister

Kazem Gharibabadi was appointed as the Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs in September 2024. He is responsible for overseeing Iran's legal and diplomatic relations, focusing on international legal matters and shaping the country's foreign policy. His expertise in international law and diplomacy positions him as a key figure in Iran's efforts to strengthen its global standing.[1]

Secretary of the High Council for Human Rights

Prior to his appointment as Deputy Foreign Minister, Gharibabadi served as the Secretary of the High Council for Human Rights, an Iranian government body responsible for defending Iran's human rights record and responding to international human rights criticism. In this capacity, he represented Iran in various international forums and played a significant role in addressing allegations against the country regarding human rights violations.[5]

Vice President for International Affairs of the Judiciary

Gharibabadi has held the position of Vice President for International Affairs of the Iranian Judiciary, where he was involved in international legal matters and representing Iran's legal interests abroad.[6]

Nuclear negotiations

Kazem Gharibabadi has been involved in Iran's nuclear negotiations, serving as a key representative in discussions concerning Iran's nuclear program. He has been expected to take on the role of Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, leading talks with international counterparts regarding the country's nuclear ambitions. Gharibabadi's position in these talks is integral to shaping the future of Iran's nuclear policy and its relations with other world powers.[7] On 1 January 2025, he stated that Iran will hold talks with Britain, Germany and France in Switzerland. According to ISNA news agency he said: "The new round of talks between Iran and three European countries will be held in Geneva on January 13."[8]

Public engagement and advocacy

Human rights advocacy

Kazem Gharibabadi has been a vocal critic of Western countries, particularly the United States, accusing them of hypocrisy regarding human rights. He has asserted that the U.S. often uses human rights as a political tool while ignoring its own shortcomings in the area. His outspoken stance on these issues highlights his commitment to defending Iran's position on human rights, both domestically and internationally.[5]

Counter-terrorism efforts

In addition to his work on human rights, Gharibabadi has been involved in Iran's efforts to combat terrorism. He has emphasized Iran's leadership in the fight against terrorist organizations and highlighted the country's sacrifices in this regard. Gharibabadi's advocacy on terrorism aligns with Iran's broader political and strategic goals in the region.[9]

Diplomatic engagement

Kazem Gharibabadi has engaged with key international partners, such as China. In December 2024, he met with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu in Beijing to discuss bilateral relations and international legal issues, further demonstrating his diplomatic and international expertise.[10]

Gold pen incident

In April 2025, during Iran–United States negotiations held in Oman, Gharibabadi was accused on online social media of accidentally placing a gold-plated pen provided by the Omani administration in his pocket. The Iranian ambassador to Oman, Musa Farhang, denied the claim. Reports seen by Iran International suggested that the pen was valued at US$14,000, that Gharibabadi's action had been recorded on video, and that he returned the pen.[11][12]

A legal case against Gharibabadi for crimes against humanity during the Iranian government crackdown against the Mahsa Amini protests was filed in Switzerland in late February 2026 under the legal principle of universal jurisdiction. Lawyers William Bourdon and Philippine Vaganay called for Gharibabadi to be arrested if he visited Switzerland.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b "Kazem Gharibabadi appointed as Deputy FM for Legal and International Affairs". Tehran Times. 2024-09-16. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
  2. ^ "Iran pioneer in fighting against terrorism: Gharibabadi". 2025.
  3. ^ "OPCW Director-General meets Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs". OPCW. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
  4. ^ a b "Iran deputy FM faces crimes against humanity complaint in Switzerland - AFP". Iran International. 26 February 2026. Wikidata Q138497002. Archived from the original on 27 February 2026.
  5. ^ a b "Gharibabadi, Kazem". UANI. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
  6. ^ "Statement by H.E. Dr. Kazem GHARIB ABADI Vice-President of the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran for International Affairs". 2023.
  7. ^ "Gharibabadi to be appointed as Iran's top nuclear negotiator". Mehr News Agency. 2024-09-10. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
  8. ^ "Iran to hold nuclear talks with three European power on January 13". LBCIV7. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
  9. ^ "Iran pioneer in fighting against terrorism: Gharibabadi". Mehr News Agency. 2025-01-01. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
  10. ^ "Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu Meets with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China". www.mfa.gov.cn. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
  11. ^ "Iran envoy denies diplomat stole Omani gold pen during talks". www.iranintl.com. 2025-04-15. Archived from the original on 2026-02-27. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  12. ^ "Iranian Ambassador Denies Gold Pen Theft During U.S. Talks". iranwire.com. Archived from the original on 2026-02-27. Retrieved 2025-04-23.

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