Written question asked by Christine Jardine (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 September 2026. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Thursday, 17 September 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Iran: Baha'i Faith

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps has he taken to raise the plight of the Bahai community in Iran.

Answer: We condemn Iran's historic and current repression of Baha'is in the strongest terms. On 28 April 2026, the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, highlighted via X abhorrent reports that Baha'is had been subject to torture and mock execution, and said the UK would continue to pursue accountability. We have repeatedly raised the situation of Baha'is in Iran at the United Nations, including at the Human Rights Council on 23 September 2025, and the Third Committee of the General Assembly on 19 November 2025. In addition, the UK has raised Iran's repression of religious minorities more broadly. We will continue to work with our international partners to hold Iran accountable for its repression of religious minorities, including Baha'is.

Secondary information