Palestine envoy in Tehran injured after attack by protestors: Iranian media

• Palestinian Ambassador Salam Zawawi was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and injuries after approximately 200 protesters stormed her Tehran residence with Molotov cocktails on January 8, causing severe property damage.
• The Palestinian mission expressed formal gratitude to the Iranian Law Enforcement Forces (Faraja) for rescuing the ambassador and her staff from the building's basement after they were besieged by the protestors. 

Palestinian Ambassador to Iran Salam Zawawi was transported to a hospital following a violent assault on her residence by a mob of approximately 200 protesters during the recent wave of unrest in the Iranian capital, as reported by Iranian media.

The incident resulted in severe damage to the diplomatic property and left the ambassador and several staff members suffering from injuries and smoke inhalation.

The protestors reportedly threw molotov cocktails while chanting slogans as they forced their way into the residence.

The incident occurred on January 8, according to news outlet “Asr Iran”.

Siege and Rescue

Zawawi suffocated during the incident then was transported to the hospital afterwards.

Iranian Law Enforcement Forces (Faraja) eventually arrived at the scene, engaging with the protesters and securing the premises, finding the ambassador and the staff sheltered in the building’s basement.

Expression of Gratitude

In a statement issued following the rescue, the Palestinian diplomatic mission expressed profound gratitude to the Iranian security forces for their intervention.

"I wish to extend my deepest appreciation and thanks to the Iranian Law Enforcement Forces for their immense efforts in saving the Ambassador of the State of Palestine and her staff," the statement read.

The mission condemned the attackers as "vandals" who threatened the safety of diplomatic guests and national security.

Diplomatic Context

Salam Zawawi has served as the Palestinian envoy to Tehran since 2022, succeeding her father, Salah Zawawi, who held the post for four decades.

While official relations between the Palestinian Authority and Iran have been historically complex, the Palestinian mission remains a key diplomatic fixture in the capital.