Iran accuses Norwegian parliament speaker of spreading misinformation in formal protest

The Iranian embassy in Oslo has issued a formal protest against Norwegian parliament speaker Masud Gharahkhani, accusing him of making “unfounded and undocumented claims” about Iran, Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet reports.

In a statement sent to Dagbladet on Monday, the embassy—led by Ambassador Alireza Jahangiri—condemned Gharahkhani’s recent remarks, calling them “factually incorrect” and an abuse of his official position. The embassy did not specify which statements prompted the protest but referred to reports by Norwegian broadcasters TV2 and VG.

“Statements about Iran should be fact-based and responsible. The position of the Storting [Norwegian parliament] should not be used as a tool in political campaigns against the Islamic Republic of Iran or the Iranian people,” the embassy wrote.

The protest follows Gharahkhani’s repeated criticism of Iran’s regime, including his description of it as “rotten to the core.” He has also expressed support for the Iranian people and, according to the embassy, shown backing for Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former shah.

The embassy’s statement further accused Gharahkhani of a “selective approach to human rights and democracy,” arguing that his concerns should also address issues such as “the killing of Palestinians in Gaza, the killing of Minab school students and Iranian citizens by the US and Israel, and the illegal US sanctions against the Iranian people.”

Gharahkhani’s office told Dagbladet it would review the embassy’s statement and respond later. The embassy dismissed his claims as lacking “credible sources” and reflecting narratives promoted by opposition groups and media.

Iran has faced heightened tensions since a joint US-Israel strike on February 28, which Tehran has condemned as an act of aggression.