By Pishtaz | 2026-02-13

A senior Islamic Republic diplomat posted in Vienna has abandoned his assignment and applied for asylum in Switzerland.

This latest individual is the second high-ranking official to defect and seek asylum in recent weeks.

Gholam-Reza Derikvand, once considered for promotion to ambassador, left his post and sought safety for himself and his family amid growing unrest in Islamic Republic.

His departure underscores deepening political instability and loss of loyalty within Tehran's diplomatic ranks.

Islamic Republic's Foreign Ministry has declined to comment publicly on the case, reportedly because of fear of internal intelligence agencies.

Defections and erosion of regime confidence

Derikvand's defection follows a similar case in mid-January, when Alireza Jeyrani Hokmabad, senior Islamic Republic envoy in Geneva, sought asylum in Switzerland with his family.

Observers say the departures reflect mounting unease among officials about Islamic Republic's political and social conditions.

Some analysts describe the resignations of senior diplomats as signs of the regime crumbling from within.

Derikvand had been a career diplomat widely viewed within his circles as loyal before his abrupt break with Tehran's foreign service hierarchy.

Hokmabad's decision to defect was reportedly driven by fears of reprisals if he returned to Islamic Republic amid widespread domestic unrest.

The two asylum requests in Switzerland highlight a pattern of elite exodus that some say weakens Islamic Republic's international representations.

The spate of defections comes as protests and security crackdowns continue inside the country, challenging the authority of Islamic Republic's clerical leadership.

Switzerland's status as a neutral host for international organizations and diplomatic missions makes it a natural destination for Islamic Republic officials seeking refuge.

Swiss authorities have not publicly commented on the asylum requests or their decisions regarding the applications.

Climate of fear within Islamic Republic institutions

Tehran's silence on these developments is widely interpreted as fear of state intelligence backlash against critics or defectors.

Islamic Republic diplomats operate under close scrutiny, and some insiders describe an atmosphere of distrust and paranoia.

Defections by senior officials, once rare, reflect eroding confidence in the Islamic Republic's stability.

The trend is likely to influence Tehran's diplomatic posture as unrest at home continues, risking further departures.

How other nations respond to Islamic Republic asylum seekers may affect the regime's ability to retain key personnel abroad.