Iran’s state media reported on Tuesday that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi did not embark on his scheduled three-nation tour to Africa, but no specific reasons were given for the change in plans.
Throughout the past week, the country’s media repeatedly stated that the president had intentions to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. However, state media did not provide any further details regarding the reasons for his delayed departure.
Kenya’s foreign ministry in a statement said that the visit has been postponed until Wednesday morning to allow for the finalization of crucial memoranda of understanding that play a central role in advancing bilateral relations.
The statement further specified that once Raisi arrives, the presidents will engage in a bilateral meeting.
Although cancellations of domestic visits are not uncommon, it is uncommon for Iran’s president to call off a foreign trip.
Back in 2018, Iran canceled a visit by Iraq’s former Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, when he expressed his compliance with renewed U.S. sanctions on Tehran, despite his personal opposition to them.
Additionally, Iran’s then-foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, canceled a planned trip to Italy due to his busy schedule, which coincided with tense nuclear negotiations at that time.