Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Senior Iranian UN diplomat in Geneva defects, seeks asylum in Switzerland
i24 news ^ | January 18, 2026

Posted on 01/18/2026 8:28:21 AM PST by nuconvert

Alireza Jiranieh Hokambad, a minister-counselor in Iran’s delegation, is said to have sought asylum for himself and his family amid fears of persecution linked to Iran’s ongoing political unrest.

A senior Iranian diplomat posted to the United Nations’ European headquarters in Geneva has reportedly defected and applied for political asylum in Switzerland, according to diplomatic sources cited on Sunday by the Iranian opposition outlet Iran International.

The diplomat, Alireza Jiranieh Hokambad, served as a minister-counselor, the second-highest-ranking position in Iran’s UN delegation in Geneva.

excerpt - According to the report, several other Iranian diplomats have discreetly contacted European authorities in recent weeks to explore the possibility of seeking asylum.


TOPICS: Extended News; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: hokambad; iran

Click here: to donate by Credit Card

Or here: to donate by PayPal

Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794

Thank you very much and God bless you.

1 more rat jumping ship
1 posted on 01/18/2026 8:28:21 AM PST by nuconvert
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: nuconvert

The first ones get the best book and media deals.


2 posted on 01/18/2026 8:31:40 AM PST by Vermont Lt
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nuconvert

Good move on his part. It might just save him from the noose.


3 posted on 01/18/2026 8:45:54 AM PST by VanShuyten ("...that all the donkeys were dead. I know nothing as to the fate of the less valuable animals.”)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: VanShuyten

Its a good move if the regime falls.
If it survives, he’ll have a price on his head.


4 posted on 01/18/2026 8:47:42 AM PST by nuconvert ( Warning: Accused of being a radical militarist. Approach with caution.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: nuconvert

The Iran situation is getting more interesting by the day.


5 posted on 01/18/2026 8:47:53 AM PST by AFB-XYZ (( We have two options: 1. Stand up, or 2. Bend over))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nuconvert

Likely he has a lot of interesting stories to tell.


6 posted on 01/18/2026 8:57:46 AM PST by OttawaFreeper ("The Gardens was founded by men-sportsmen-who fought for their country" Conn Smythe, 1966 )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: VanShuyten

If it saves him from the noose it makes him one of the bad guys. Blood on his hands just like the rest of them.


7 posted on 01/18/2026 8:59:26 AM PST by DIRTYSECRET
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: nuconvert

Are there cracks in the dam? Senior officials defecting might just be what experts call “a clue”.

CC


8 posted on 01/18/2026 9:00:09 AM PST by Celtic Conservative (Heghlu'meH QaQ jajvam!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nuconvert

“”Hokambad””

Love the name....


9 posted on 01/18/2026 9:13:37 AM PST by Thank You Rush
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nuconvert

Will China be next ? LOL


10 posted on 01/18/2026 1:37:38 PM PST by butlerweave (Fateh)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson