In the realm of geopolitical discourse, Tehran expresses strong disapproval of the recent decision by the US-based technological behemoth, Meta, to expunge the Facebook and Instagram profiles belonging to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader. This act is decried as a blatant “infringement on the freedom of expression,” according to reports by The Times of Israel on a Sunday.

While Instagram and Facebook remain immensely popular social media platforms within Iran, the government imposes restrictions on their usage. Curiously, officials within the Islamic Republic maintain active accounts on these platforms. In a proclamation last month, Meta elucidated its rationale for removing Khamenei’s accounts, citing “repeated violations” of its policy regarding “perilous entities and personalities.” In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, vehemently asserted that this action is not only an affront to freedom of speech but also a denigration of the millions who follow the supreme leader’s perspectives and updates.

Amir-Abdollahian further remarked on the ostensible hollowness of Western claims to freedom of expression, deeming them nothing more than grandiloquent slogans veiling ulterior political motives. These sentiments were relayed to the Middle East Eye news outlet and subsequently disseminated by Iran’s foreign ministry.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aged 84, has held the position of Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, wielding authoritative influence over major state policies. Notably, he commanded approximately five million adherents on Instagram, as reported by The Times of Israel.

Meta’s decisive move on February 8 aligns with Khamenei’s escalating endorsements of the Palestinian extremist group, Hamas, especially following the October 7 offensive against Israel, resulting in the loss of around 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians, and the taking of 253 hostages.

Amir-Abdollahian staunchly defended Khamenei as the foremost advocate for the oppressed in Palestine and Gaza globally, contending that the Silicon Valley Empire cannot stifle this voice from permeating the global public opinion.

Despite the Iranian government’s prohibition of Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms, including X, denizens of the Islamic Republic can still access them through virtual private networks (VPNs).