Iran has withdrawn from the 61st Venice Biennale, just days before the event’s scheduled opening on May 9, organizers confirmed Monday. The Islamic Republic had been expected to participate but did not announce any details about its chosen artist or pavilion ahead of the cancellation. Aydin Mahidzadeh Tehrani, the director-general of visual arts at Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, had been listed as the commissioner for the country’s intended involvement. The official statement from the Biennale did not provide a reason for Iran’s withdrawal.

Iran’s decision comes amid a tense atmosphere leading up to this year’s international art exhibition, officially titled “In Minor Keys” and running through November 22. The event, held primarily at the Giardini and the Arsenale venues in Venice, features approximately 100 countries, including two newcomers, Tanzania and Seychelles.

The Biennale’s preparations have been further complicated by the recent resignation of its five-member prize jury. The panel’s departure followed controversy surrounding the participation of artists representing Israel and Russia. The jury had declared it would exclude artists from countries whose leaders face arrest warrants for crimes against humanity issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), a stance interpreted as targeting those two nations specifically.

The jury members who stepped down included president Solange Farkas, Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi. As a result, the traditional Golden Lion awards for best national participation and best artist in the main exhibition will now be determined by a popular vote. Ticket holders who have visited both main venues will be eligible to cast their votes. The awards ceremony, originally scheduled for May, has been postponed to November.

Despite the controversies and last-minute changes, the Venice Biennale continues to attract a broad international presence and remains one of the art world’s most significant global events. Iran’s absence marks a notable development in the lead-up to the biennale’s latest edition.