Amir Hosein Garibnejad, the Iranian ambassador to Croatia, has responded sharply to recent statements from Israeli Ambassador Gary Koren, who suggested that personnel at the Iranian embassy in Zagreb might be linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and engaged in espionage. Garibnejad referred to these accusations as lies that Iran has encountered for over 47 years, indicating a long-standing history of contentious relations between the two nations.

In his remarks, Garibnejad emphasized that the claims made by Koren are not new, but rather part of a sustained narrative that Israel has advanced over decades, aimed at delegitimizing Iran's presence and actions. He firmly rejected the notion that any of the embassy staff could be involved in terrorism or espionage, highlighting a perceived pattern of Israeli diplomatic rhetoric intended to instill fear and distrust.

The exchange underscores the fraught nature of Iranian-Israeli relations, particularly in the context of broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Garibnejad's refusal to acknowledge the validity of Koren's claims reflects a deep-seated skepticism regarding Israeli intentions and an insistence on Iran's sovereignty and legitimacy in its diplomatic engagements. This incident could further complicate diplomatic relations and exacerbate existing tensions between the two nations.