Iran's new ambassador to Ireland, Mohammad Reza Babaei, is set to officially take up his duties after a delay of nearly six months, according to reports. The delay followed the Iranian government's response to widespread protests in Iran in late 2022.
The formal ceremony, originally scheduled for January 2023, was postponed after the Irish government expressed concerns over Iran's handling of the protests. The protests, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022, led to a crackdown by Iranian authorities.
Babaei, a career diplomat, was appointed in late 2022 but faced a delay in presenting his credentials to the Irish president. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the delay was due to the need for further consultations.
As of May 2026, Babaei has presented his credentials and is expected to begin his diplomatic work in Dublin. The appointment marks a normalization of diplomatic relations between Iran and Ireland after the hiatus.
