Iran leaders won't attend receptions serving alcohol: diplomat

E-Paper | May 08, 2026

TEHRAN: Iran's leaders won't attend events serving alcohol, a diplomat said Wednesday after French media reported that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani refused to attend a state dinner in Paris because wine was on the menu.

"According to Islamic values and teachings, officials of the Islamic Republic do not participate in ceremonies where alcohol is served," said the diplomat, who is in charge of protocol at Iran's foreign ministry, according to ISNA news agency.

RTL Radio reported this week that Elysee officials had cancelled plans for an official dinner for Rouhani hosted by Fench President Francois Hollande after Iran insisted it had to be alcohol-free.

Rouhani will travel to Italy and France on November 14-17 in a visit seen as an opportunity for rapprochement and renewed trade ties in the wake of July's landmark nuclear deal following years of strain between Tehran and the West.

Under the deal, Iran agreed to curb some elements of its nuclear programme in exchange for a lifting of United Nations (UN), United States (US) and European economic sanctions.

Rouhani is also set to meet Pope Francis during the Italian leg of his trip.

In October 1999, the reformist former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami also refused to attend a reception at the Elysee Palace because wine was to be served.

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Saad

Nov 11, 2015 02:55pm

Then be ready to be isolated from the rest of the world.

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haris

Nov 11, 2015 03:02pm

I find it Pathetic. They are not forcing you to drink alcohol.

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mamoJan

Nov 11, 2015 03:15pm

Great step, we should not forget our values and teachings.

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Nov 11, 2015 03:16pm

That's the spirit !! (no pun intended) But really this is what it means to walk the talk and stand up for what you believe in .....

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Asif

Nov 11, 2015 03:17pm

Stop crying Iran. You're lucky you haven't been decimated by world powers.

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Sheraz K

Nov 11, 2015 03:20pm

Bravo n salute to these .. exemplary leaders.

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Talli

Nov 11, 2015 03:22pm

Better to be isolated from the world than to be isolated from God.

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Asad

Nov 11, 2015 03:25pm

On a side note, I find Iranians courageous

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Kumail12

Nov 11, 2015 03:26pm

They take islamic values seriously and not make joke. Have you ever seen Iran leaders toasting in wine glasses. Also compare it with saudi or any muslim country. Irans get 5 star

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The Master

Nov 11, 2015 03:37pm

@Asif They proved to the world that they can stand up to the world powers,no one can fight a country where the people stand behind their leaders in support, mothers send their sons to die for their country, THE HOST SHOULD RESPECT THE WISHES OF THE GUEST.

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Shahryar Shirazi

Nov 11, 2015 03:38pm

This is an immature act. Furthermore, the leadership must know, almost every one in Iran drinks from South to North of the country.

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ali

Nov 11, 2015 03:55pm

@Saad if you think Europe and america are the whole world then you are right. Iran has progressed in last 37 years with this spirit and Pakistan,s progress is stalled with the practice of ignoring our islamic values.

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Shaukat Ali Khan

Nov 11, 2015 03:57pm

Too extreme; don't take it, that is better than not attending.

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ali

Nov 11, 2015 03:57pm

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Ayesha Malik

Nov 11, 2015 04:03pm

Great leadership !

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fahd

Nov 11, 2015 04:06pm

@ali Islamic teachings dont run the economy, they instill morality in people, which in our case is a cause long lost.

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Muhammed Ali

Nov 11, 2015 04:20pm

Before we judge the Iranians just think for a moment what percent of problems in the west are alcohol related?

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Kranti

Nov 11, 2015 04:32pm

That's a great news. I hope they will stick to this stand...Everybody will have their religious preaching and it's great that Iran is following them...

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M Akram

Nov 11, 2015 04:38pm

@Saad What a pathetic comment for a President who is standing up Islamic values. What do you expect the President of Islamic Republic to do.

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Asad

Nov 11, 2015 04:46pm

Bravo great step.

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Saad S

Nov 11, 2015 04:51pm

Alcohol is not a necessity so dialogues can be held without it.

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abbas

Nov 11, 2015 05:17pm

bold step - hats off to their courgage

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javed ali

Nov 11, 2015 05:27pm

we should learn something from Iran

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Umer

Nov 11, 2015 05:27pm

Standing salute to Iran. Unlike Saud dynasty they are true followers of Islam!

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Mashup

Nov 11, 2015 05:30pm

@ali And you think Iran has progressed a lot? Why does the idea of isolating yourself from the world because you think you are superior, excite you so much. Respect others to gain respect

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Munir

Nov 11, 2015 05:39pm

On this auspicious occasion of Diwali, "May the festival of light brighten your home, life and surroundings. May the righteousness within you bring you eternal bliss. May we all endeavour our best to make life on earth peaceful and meaningful" Ameen!

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VOICE OF SANITY

Nov 11, 2015 06:06pm

@ali Dont compare Pakistan with Iran, Pakistan has successfully withheld pressure on its nuclear arsenal and didnot bow to any foreign countries, but look at Iran

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VOICE OF SANITY

Nov 11, 2015 06:10pm

Iranian couldn't control themselves

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ali jameel

Nov 11, 2015 06:10pm

if france can allow headscarves to be banned why can iran choose not to attend if wine is to be served . if muslim countries had boycotted israeli companies/ products the Palestinian problem would have been solved yet only iran battles israel al the rest of the arab countries encourage them

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Mike,London

Nov 11, 2015 06:13pm

They shouldn't even go to a country produce and consume alcohol.

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Cyrus

Nov 11, 2015 06:13pm

Iran is truly the Land of the Pure. Another attempt of a country to lead the Islamic World. Everyone needs a purpose for living.

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haris

Nov 11, 2015 06:21pm

@mamoJan So mamojan, Muslims living in non-muslim countries should not make any contacts with the citizens?

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Abdulrazzak

Nov 11, 2015 06:21pm

@Shahryar Shirazi How many people have you talked to from north to the south of Iran to come to that conclusion?

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haris

Nov 11, 2015 06:27pm

@KarimKhan : First of all, nobody can force anyone in Europe and this is considered as crime. Please tell me, do Muslims living in these western countries should make contacts only on the conditions the host will not consume alcohol at all? In this, one natural reaction they will face. Why have you come here? Why the worn torn Syrians, Iraqi and Palestinians are heading to Europe. You guys have lost your mindset somewhere. try to find before it is too late.

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khanm

Nov 11, 2015 06:39pm

Pal.... Negative freedom is freedom from - freedom from oppression, whether it's a colonial power or addiction to alcohol oppressing you. You need to be freed from negative freedom. Positive freedom is freedom for, freedom to be. And that's what's routinely ignored today.

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A.JABBAR

Nov 11, 2015 06:50pm

I don't understand what is the fuss we are discussing. Iran strict Islamic trading don't allow alcohol. So they asked to remove from menu. French tradition is to have wine is in dinner party. So both agreed to cancel the dinner party scheduled in honor of Iranians. Matter close, all other discussions will go through.

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Darashikoh

Nov 11, 2015 06:51pm

Bravo. It's admirable not religiously but to see someone being able to stand up for what they believe in.

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Yousuf

Nov 11, 2015 07:31pm

The French are arrogant in this way. They didn't had respect for the guests. Rather than cancelling alcohol from menu, they cancelled the dinner.

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Yousuf

Nov 11, 2015 07:34pm

@ali jameel Jameel; Iran did not cancel the dinner. France cancelled the dinner because they could not deduct alcohol from their menu.

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Mindful

Nov 11, 2015 07:34pm

@Saad and Haris, They are already isolated yet proved to be a great nation if you don't look from sectarian perspective. Our leader have no courage

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Ham

Nov 11, 2015 07:36pm

Adhere to your values even when surrounded by things you deem immoral.. that is true representation of your faith. Not when you start imposing your ideals on others that is not what "our values and teachings" are about! A lot of comments here mention that Iran has taken a great step... but frankly its just alienating itself, and clearly it has to educate itself in what diplomacy means.

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Justice

Nov 11, 2015 07:39pm

Respect Iran's decision not to attend, Iran is truly "Islamic Republic State", they are representing true Ismalic values in the world, better than Pakistan and all middle eastern countires combines. Just look at Dubai where alchol is served openly and they call themself muslim.

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Nazem

Nov 11, 2015 07:56pm

very good

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Mohammed Sattar

Nov 11, 2015 08:17pm

@VOICE OF SANITY .I am not Iranian but Pakistani but I can tell you that if Pakistan had been subjected to the sort of sanctions that Iran has been subjected to for 3 decades then our so called patriotic leaders whoas whole wealth lies in the west by the way, would have sold out the country in a matter of months.

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Shahryar Shirazi

Nov 11, 2015 08:18pm

@Abdulrazzak I was born to Iranian parents who migrated to Karachi in 1982 after the Islamic Revolution :) I speak Fluent farsi in Kermani accent ( where my mom is from) and Urdu in Karachi accent cause I grew up in Karachi. All of my family is from Iran and until I was in Karachi I used to visit several times a year. Hope this clarifies.

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M.Saeed

Nov 11, 2015 08:25pm

This is a very appropriate decision according the Islamic believes but would result in many invited guests not attending the receptions abroad.

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Ayaz Ahmad Guru

Nov 11, 2015 08:29pm

Drinking is prohibited not the drinkers.

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M.Saeed

Nov 11, 2015 08:39pm

According to the world fact book, Iranis consume about 1 liter of alcohol per capita in a year, while in Pakistan it is less than 0.1 liter. Pakistan is at the bottom of the list, while even Saudi Arabia is higher with 0.2 liters.

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Divergence

Nov 11, 2015 08:40pm

It won't stay for long.

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M.Saeed

Nov 11, 2015 08:48pm

The 18th Amendment in Constitution had prohibited the production, consumption and possession of Alcohol. It remained a law for 13 years and was legalized by 21st Amendment in the Constitution---- of the United States of America. The Prohibition remained operative from 1920 to 1933.

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Divergence

Nov 11, 2015 08:48pm

Anyway, whatever the real reason lies behind this decision, it is a nice message to some extent. Other Muslim countries should also take cue and prohibit public sale and display of Liquor, as any commodity that is publicly deemed acceptable will create a greater temptation than a commodity that is censored to some limit. However, such foreign engagements demand greater foresight and they should have just decided to ignore wine rather than damage their country's interest by not attending at all.

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Muhammad

Nov 11, 2015 08:56pm

@M.Saeed But still drinking is not justified especially at the level of head of state

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Waseem

Nov 11, 2015 09:10pm

if you are not drinking, you are not liable to shut yourself out, especially in a foreign land, which happens to be a non Muslim too.

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Lucky Star

Nov 11, 2015 09:11pm

No comment. He is right following his conscious.

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Waseem

Nov 11, 2015 09:13pm

@Yousuf Would Iranian serve Alcohol on Iranian soil, for visiting French president, if guest wish? Who respects who in a guest host relationship is always a tricky question, and more than anything, it needs common sense, not a Mullah's verdict

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True Muslim

Nov 11, 2015 09:27pm

Khadim-e-Harmain shareefain and all other Muslim leaders don't mind Alcohol serving dinner parties. if someone do the good practice, we should appreciate, instead we are biased nation.

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SArfraz

Nov 11, 2015 09:58pm

Iranian Leaders proved they are real defender and representative of ISLAM. They remain prominent as ISLAMIST in even non muslim countries. It is Islamic tradition don not even join a company having wine.

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breznev

Nov 11, 2015 09:58pm

Then don't go to countries that serve alcohol period.

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Huma

Nov 11, 2015 10:08pm

All UN and state receptions in the west serve alcohol. Why would they change that to accommodate one country- that too Iran? Maybe the intention is not to network with Western countries- which is a highly foolish decision. Iran needs to make friends and not lose the few friends they have left.

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Abdulla Hussain

Nov 11, 2015 10:25pm

"According to Islamic values and teachings, officials of the Islamic Republic do not participate in ceremonies where alcohol is served" What is right should be accepted & appreciated. Here the Iranian leader is 100% correct. As a matter of principle such gatherings where liquor, Pork & deity offerings are served must be avoided.

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MJK

Nov 11, 2015 10:50pm

It is there country, let them drink, you ask for orange juice.

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point of view

Nov 11, 2015 11:10pm

@Abdulla Hussain, pay respect and get respect…nobody appreciate only get respect but not pay respect. If you want somebody to pay you respect and consider your belief and food habits, kindly pay respect to other's belief and food habits in return.

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Nov 11, 2015 11:14pm

It's really easy to be pressurised and accept values of the others...would it have killed the French president if they would have not served alcohol? so if they want to stick to their values so should Iran...only nations with dignity and pride can do this.

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Pakistani

Nov 11, 2015 11:33pm

Arab and Iran please give "PEACE A CHANCE"

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wafa

Nov 12, 2015 12:19am

@Asif Decimation can only be done by the Lord and creator.

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ayub

Nov 12, 2015 12:48am

As per protocols the menu could have been reviewed by the Iranian official, and had they found any objectionable item like wine in it, then, I am sure the host would have taken care of their religious values and thus replaced it with some other permissible drink. May be someone purposefully want to demonstrate that someone is a better Muslim than the others.

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Goga Nalaik

Nov 12, 2015 12:59am

People should more about the state protocol accorded by a state to its guests. If a state does not comply with its guest's demand on such delicate issues, then it is meant that it is not honouring its guest. It is also a soft way to make the West understand that if Iran had resisted honourably 35 years of western embargo, it will not accept their conditions to do business. Respects to President Roohani

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Goga Nalaik

Nov 12, 2015 01:11am

@VOICE OF SANITY : how insane when such comments come from the voice of sanity.

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Goga Nalaik

Nov 12, 2015 01:25am

@ayub : wrong! You need to read more bout state protocol.

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Sahil

Nov 12, 2015 01:37am

Wow! Bravo. Iranian bold steps better than Saudis

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timetostopthis

Nov 12, 2015 01:43am

@Justice And Dubai is a beautiful, developed and safe country despite allowing alcohol whereas Pakistan is dangerous, poor and backward despite banning alcohol.

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Moni

Nov 12, 2015 03:18am

@Aa will Iran server alcohal for french if they visit them not right?? Wine is integral part of french dining.will iran respect their cultural value the answer is big NO

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Rick_james

Nov 12, 2015 03:27am

Well done Iran.

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sid

Nov 12, 2015 03:34am

@haris President of Iran is not a resident of Europe. He is representing his country, his values, his faith and culture. If he doesn't want to be in the presence of alcohol, because its contrary to his belief and what he represents, then people should respect that and not complain. It comes down to whether alcohol is essential in such meetings and whether it not being there offends anyone. Most likely not, therefore no big deal if he made such a request.

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Caring

Nov 12, 2015 03:40am

It is food protocol for guest to put those foods and drinks which are liked by the guest.It could have be done without hassle.For instance if France put beef in front of Modi to eat,he will surely not like that and rather move without eating.Similiarly you just cannot serve pork to Muslim.The French are generally believe to be most wise and smart people,but at this occasion they failed,and mistakenly took for granted that distinguished guest His Excellency Iranian President Hasan Rouhani will eat or drink whatever they serve,no never ,you may have heard a old proverb in Persian language,which means the Persians are the most intelligent,wise,honored,respected,people of the world.

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Unfinished_Sentenc

Nov 12, 2015 03:49am

What's the big fuss? No-one is offering you one! You cannot tell people from another country what to and what not to serve!

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Satyam Vada

Nov 12, 2015 06:13am

@A.JABBAR Exactly. I too don't understand why are some outraged. The leader's decision is neither affecting foreign relations nor ignoring what is beneficial for their citizens.

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Ash

Nov 12, 2015 06:22am

So when Iran is guest, it should be their way ' No drinks" and when Iran will host west then again it has to be their way "no drinks". There is no flexibility at all. Real Losers!!!

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Agha Ata

Nov 12, 2015 06:54am

What if Iran is one of the guests? Will he just walk out?

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Zaman

Nov 12, 2015 08:19am

@Shahryar Shirazi This is Iran's offcial position as a Muslim nation upholding divine commands. This is not the first time France and Iran got into this problem. Earlier when Mohammad Khatami was the president of Iran over a decade ago, the same issue propped up when the French insisted on alcohol in the dinner for Khatami. As it is now, the dinner was cancelled when Iran resisted and Khatami denounced to attend it.

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suma

Nov 12, 2015 02:00pm

not drinking alcohol and preventing others not to drink it are two different thing. It is when oppression of various sections society happens and rampant. History is proof.

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rehan

Nov 13, 2015 09:40am

It's laughable that how the so-called "civilized" world has a problem with this !

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