Iran's Foreign Minister will not attend the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos following the deaths of civilians during recent protests in the country, the forum announced.

"Although he was invited last autumn, the tragic loss of lives of civilians in Iran over the past few weeks means that it is not right for the Iranian government to be represented at Davos this year," the World Economic Forum said on social media platform X.

The decision comes after a deadly crackdown on protests that erupted in late December over economic hardship. Rights groups report at least 544 people killed, whilst opposition organisations claim the death toll exceeds 3,500.

Exact figures remain difficult to verify amid a near-total internet blackout imposed by Iranian authorities, with the Times of London recently reporting a death toll as high as 16,500, according to the newspaper's sources.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had been invited to the annual gathering in the Swiss resort town, which brings together world leaders, business executives and policymakers.

Iran’s ambassador to Switzerland, Mahmoud Barimani, decried the “unjustified” move, stressing that it was “undoubtedly taken under the pressure and obvious influence of anti-Iranian and radical American-Zionist factions.” He added that it “reflects their fear of Iran's voice reaching international audiences.”

“This action has no justification and is completely contrary to international norms and decorum, and undermines the credibility of the World Economic Forum. It also casts doubt on Switzerland's reputation as a country with a history of neutrality and efforts for diplomacy,” Barimani noted.

The forum's decision to exclude Iranian government representation marks a significant diplomatic setback for Tehran as it tries to re-establish its position on the international stage after two weeks of protests and ongoing protests.

UK-based Middle East academic Ruba Ali Al-Hassan reposted the WEF post, commenting, "Western hypocrisy is active in full force now. Iran's govt is violent towards protestors, so it's evil. British, German, American, French govts are violent towards protestors, and Israel practices genocide, but that's ok. Be consistent with your policies, or you are the problem."

Expatriate businessman and recent political activist, Dan Vahdat wrote on X, "We managed to kick out Araghchi from Davos…," in what has become the latest battleground between those who support the Islamic Republic and those wanting to see the system collapse following the high death toll. 

The protests in Iran began when merchants at Tehran's Grand Bazaar closed their shops over the Iranian rial's sharp depreciation but quickly evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations. Protesters have chanted slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with some calling for regime change.

US President Donald Trump has threatened military action if Iranian authorities continue killing protesters, whilst Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has blamed the United States and Israel for orchestrating the unrest.

Iran's Intelligence Ministry claimed on January 18 that it had arrested more than 300 people it described as "terrorist rioters," while internet connections in the country remain disconnected, mostly apart from the media and government.