A diplomatic incident has emerged between Iran and Australia following the Australian Embassy in Tehran's Instagram post celebrating Wear It Purple Day, an event supporting LGBTQIA+ youth.

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the post as 'disrespectful and contrary to Iranian and Islamic cultural norms,' highlighting the country's strict laws against homosexuality.

In response, Australian ambassador Ian McConville stated that the post was not intended to insult Iranian values and did not reference Iran directly.

Amnesty International has pointed out the systemic discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in Iran, where same-sex relations can lead to severe punishments.

Homosexuality remains illegal in Iran, punishable by death under Sharia law, although transgender individuals can undergo gender transition surgery.

Iran has summoned Australia's ambassador in Tehran over the Instagram post, which was deemed 'norm-breaking' by Iranian authorities.

Australia's Federal Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt expressed concern over Iran's reaction, emphasizing the importance of promoting Australian values internationally.

Despite the backlash, the controversial post remains on the embassy's Instagram account, receiving thousands of likes and supportive comments from other embassies.

The post's caption emphasized the embassy's commitment to creating a supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ youth, stating, 'Today, and every day, we’re dedicated to creating a supportive environment, where everyone can feel proud to be themselves.'

Iranian state media accused the Australian post of promoting homosexuality in a derogatory manner, further escalating tensions.

The Instagram post featured embassy staff, including Ambassador McConville, wearing purple and sharing a message of diversity and inclusion.

Iranian leaders have previously condemned homosexuality, labeling it as a sign of 'moral depravity' in Western society.