Iran Faces Political and Unfair Treatment From the West

TEHRAN (Iran News) Zolfaghari highlighted Iran’s robust anti-narcotics efforts, noting that over the past five years (2019–2024), Iranian authorities have seized approximately 5,000 tons of various illicit drugs. He credited intelligence-based operations for increasing the risks for traffickers, forcing international smuggling networks to shift their routes to maritime pathways in pursuit of profits. However, these efforts have come at a steep cost, with around 60 personnel from Iran’s anti-narcotics agencies losing their lives in the line of duty over the same period.

Discussing legislative reforms, Zolfaghari pointed to amendments in Iran’s anti-narcotics laws aimed at rehabilitation and reducing harm. “Articles 15 and 16 of the Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs focus on reforming and rescuing individuals from the scourge of addiction, providing treatment frameworks,” he said. He further explained that under Article 45, individuals convicted of drug-related crimes—such as transportation, production, distribution, or cultivation—are no longer subject to the death penalty unless specific conditions are met, including armed involvement, leadership in trafficking networks, prior convictions, or exceeding legal thresholds.

Zolfaghari outlined Iran’s comprehensive strategies, which encompass demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation, and societal reintegration of recovering addicts. A key initiative, the Comprehensive Primary Addiction Prevention Document, has been developed and implemented, targeting 40% of Iran’s population to reduce the incidence of addiction. Prevention programs focus on families, educational institutions, workplaces, and local communities.

“Ensuring access to narcotics for medical and scientific purposes, in line with the three international conventions, while preventing their diversion to illegal markets, is an integral part of Iran’s balanced strategy,” Zolfaghari emphasized. This approach aims to minimize the negative consequences of drug abuse and enhance public health.

Iran’s harm reduction efforts include mobile teams and centers providing sterile needles, food, hygiene kits, bathing facilities, overnight shelters, and low-threshold methadone access to homeless addicts, the impoverished, and those with sexually transmitted diseases. These initiatives have successfully curbed the spread of HIV among intravenous drug users, Zolfaghari noted.

The country has also expanded treatment options, with the Comprehensive Treatment Program Document promoting diverse modalities such as methadone, buprenorphine, opium tincture, and psychosocial interventions, offered through outpatient and residential facilities. Currently, 7,200 addiction treatment centers—ranging from residential to outpatient and inpatient—employ around 42,000 specialists. Additionally, 276 psychiatric hospitals, including specialized pediatric and general facilities, have been equipped with over 10,000 beds to treat patients addicted to methamphetamine and other stimulants, ensuring broader access to care.

Zolfaghari underscored that over 80% of harm reduction and treatment programs are managed by the private sector and non-governmental organizations. In recognition of these scientific advancements, Iran established the Regional Center for Addiction Treatment Studies in Tehran in 2021, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

He credited initiatives like the “Life Supporters” scheme with controlling the transmission rates of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and other bloodborne diseases linked to drug use, including injection, over the past five years, alongside stabilizing the prevalence of drug use nationwide.

Despite these accomplishments, Zolfaghari lamented the lack of international support. “According to well-documented UNODC reports, Iran has made significant strides in all dimensions of the global drug problem and remains a steadfast partner to the international community,” he said. “Yet, Iran faces selective, political, and unfair treatment from some countries, especially in the West.” He accused these nations of imposing unilateral sanctions instead of providing technical or material assistance, as mandated by the principle of shared responsibility, while others withhold aid in areas like demand reduction under baseless pretexts.

Zolfaghari argued that the West, particularly Europe, must collaborate constructively with Iran to reduce its own drug-related costs stemming from Afghanistan, the primary source of narcotics in the region. He extended an invitation to the Swiss delegation to visit Tehran and observe Iran’s efforts firsthand.

In response, Barbara Schedler acknowledged the strong bilateral ties between Switzerland and Iran, noting recent ministerial meetings at the World Health Assembly. She praised Iran’s anti-trafficking efforts, stating, “We understand Iran’s geographical challenges and the resulting difficulties.” Schedler highlighted Switzerland’s appreciation for Iran’s harm reduction programs, which align with her country’s focus on keeping addicts alive and treating them, and expressed readiness to exchange experiences.

The meeting underscored Iran’s call for greater global cooperation and recognition of its sacrifices in the fight against narcotics, amid ongoing tensions with Western nations.