A high-ranking Iranian diplomat posted to the United Nations’ European headquarters in Geneva has reportedly left his position and applied for political asylum in Switzerland, diplomatic sources cited in a report said on Sunday.

The diplomat, Alireza Jiranieh Hokambad, served as a minister-counselor at Iran’s UN mission in Geneva. 

He has submitted an asylum application for himself and his family to Swiss authorities, citing fears of persecution if he were to return to Iran. Swiss officials have not publicly addressed the application.

Hokambad joined the Geneva mission in 2017 and was responsible for economic diplomacy, including trade and investment matters. His decision to defect appears linked to deepening political unrest and uncertainty inside Iran, where widespread protests and domestic pressures have intensified.