Who is the man that the Iranian Foreign Minister bent down to kiss his hand?
A photograph of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi kissing the hand of Professor Jamshid Momtaz during a ceremony has sparked curiosity on social media.
A photo taken during the opening ceremony of the 'National Foreign Policy Conference' in Tehran shows Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi kissing the hand of one of the attendees, leading to widespread speculation online about the identity of that individual. The man honored in the photo is Professor Jamshid Momtaz, who received the 'Islamic Republic Foreign Policy Award' this year. This gesture of respect highlights the recognition of Momtaz's contributions to international law and diplomacy.
Professor Jamshid Momtaz is not just an ordinary academic but is considered the 'legal mind' that Iran has relied on for tackling its most challenging international cases. Born in 1942 in Izmir, Turkey, and raised in Egypt, he later moved to Paris, where he graduated in law and political science from prestigious institutions including the University of Paris and the Sorbonne. His background in a distinguished diplomatic family sets a foundation for his career in professional diplomacy, emphasizing a commitment to justice outside of ideological clashes.
The image and the subsequent reactions reflect broader themes of reverence for legal intellect and the fusion of law and diplomacy in Iran's foreign policy. This incident not only brings attention to Momtaz's contributions but also underscores the importance placed on expertise in navigating complex international relations, particularly as Iran faces ongoing challenges on the global stage.