TEHRAN – The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry has denounced the insults directed at expatriates participating in the country's 14th presidential election, stating that these actions reveal the profound depravity and misery of those attempting to disrupt the electoral process.

In a message posted on his X account on Monday, Nasser Kanaani criticized certain Western countries that claim to uphold democratic values for permitting individuals to engage in such an "ugly behavior." 

He condemned these nations for failing to adopt lawful and deterrent measures against those who insult and infringe upon the legal rights of Iranian citizens abroad.

"These self-proclaimed defenders of citizenship rights, human rights, and democracy will be judged by the Iranian nation," Kanaani asserted. 

He emphasized that Iranians, both domestically and internationally, demand explanations and actions from responsible institutions in Western countries regarding such barbaric, uncivilized, and illegal conduct.

Kanaani expressed dismay at the behavior of certain individuals who identify as "opponents" of the Islamic establishment, accusing them of attempting to intimidate and insult Iranian voters abroad to prevent their participation in the election.

Despite these challenges, more than 24 million people cast their votes in the snap election held on June 28. The early polls were necessitated by the tragic passing of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19. The helicopter carrying Raisi and his entourage was on its way to Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan, from a location on the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan where the Iranian president had opened a major dam project.

The results of the election indicated that none of the candidates secured the necessary votes to win outright, leading to a runoff between Massoud Pezeshkian and Saeed Jalili scheduled for July 5.

Kanaani highlighted that the turnout of expatriate voters, despite the difficulties, demonstrated national solidarity among Iranians both inside and outside the country. He reiterated that these attacks on voters only strengthen the resolve and unity of the Iranian nation.

In an effort to facilitate participation, the Iranian government allocated 250 polling stations for the diaspora, ensuring that Iranians worldwide could exercise their voting rights.

Mohammad Mokhber, Iran's acting president, praised the Iranian people for their participation in the June 28 presidential election, asserting that the upcoming runoff vote will prove a disappointment to the Islamic Republic's detractors.

As the nation prepares for the runoff election, the Iranian Foreign Ministry continues to call for respect and protection of the legal rights of all its citizens, condemning any attempts to undermine the democratic process.