Iran has not withdrawn from 2026 Venice Biennale, pavilion commissioner says

Iran’s pavilion commissioner Aydin Mahdizadeh Tehrani said Iran has not withdrawn from the 2026 Venice Biennale, contradicting a Biennale statement that the Islamic Republic of Iran “will not participate” in the 61st International Art Exhibition, “In Minor Keys” curated by Koyo Kouoh (May 9–November 22). Speaking to the Iran Students News Agency (ISNA) on May 12, Mahdizadeh Tehrani said Iran requested more time rather than submitting a withdrawal letter, citing uncertainty during the US–Israel war with Iran and additional political and economic challenges. He said currency shifts tripled projected costs beyond the allocated budget, making seven-month participation unfeasible, and that Iran proposed a shorter two- or three-month run that organizers rejected. He added that a May 10 letter to Biennale organizers insisted the Iranian pavilion still be opened even if Golden Lion eligibility was no longer possible, and said a final response was expected within days.

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