Statement of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ireland

Statement of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ireland

Refuting the false and unfounded allegations made by certain Irish Media Outlets against  the Islamic Republic of Iran in the MV Matthew vessel case 

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ireland categorically rejects the false and unfounded allegations made by certain Irish media outlets against I.R. of Iran in the MV Matthew vessel case for the following reasons:

1. Absence of any credible legal basis or substantiating evidence:

There exists no judgment by any competent court that validates these allegations. Such assertions remain unproven and speculative.

2. Breach of the principles of impartiality and professional journalistic ethics:

According to the Global Charter of Ethics for Journalists (IFJ), the media is obliged, especially in sensitive matters, to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, rely on balanced sources, and avoid bias or sensationalism. Unfortunately, these articles repeatedly presented conjecture, unfounded accusations and suspicion as established fact, without adequate disclaimers or evidence.

3. Direct violation of the Irish Journalists' Code of Practice:

This code explicitly emphasizes the avoidance of exaggeration, the necessity of accuracy, and the duty to reflect reality. The content of these articles stand in direct contradiction to these core professional obligations.

Moreover, the policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding combating drug trafficking are fundamentally at odds with the claims made.

Iran is at the forefront of global efforts against drug trafficking. According to reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Iran accounts for a significant share of global drug seizures and has consistently demonstrated its commitment and cooperation in combating this issue.

Iran has been praised by the UN office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna as “holding back a flood of heroin” in to the west.

In the course of its efforts to detect and combat drug trafficking, Iran has sacrificed over 3,700 martyrs from its police, border security, and anti-narcotics forces. “These fallen police officers have given their lives to prevent drugs from poisoning the world, not just Iran,” said  Antonio Maria Costa, then Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, in 2009.

This clearly reflects Islamic Republic of Iran’s steadfast dedication to addressing this challenge and preventing the transit of drugs toward Europe.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ireland