Tensions between Germany and Iran Escalate
After Iran executed the death sentence of Jamshid Sharmehd, the alleged leader of a US-based anti-regime organisation and accused of organising terrorist acts in his country, a serious diplomatic crisis between the two countries began. Following this development, Germany decided to close the Iranian consulates in Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that they have repeatedly informed Tehran that the execution of a German citizen will have severe consequences and said,“For this reason, I decided to close the 3 Iranian consulates general in Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg.” Baerbock emphasised that the German embassy in Tehran will remain open and said, “Because closing them would be the biggest favour we can do to such regimes.”
Tension Growing
Germany’s decision will affect 32 Iranian consular officials. If they do not have German citizenship, they will lose their right of residence and will have to leave the country. In addition, the German Foreign Office expelled two Iranian diplomats following the death sentence against Jamshid Sharmehd. Iran retaliated in kind by expelling two German diplomats. The German Ambassador in Tehran, Markus Potzel, was recalled to Germany for consultations. The Federal Foreign Office warned German citizens against travelling to Iran and asked them to leave the country.
What Happened?
The Iranian Intelligence Ministry announced that Jamshid Sharmehd was the leader of the US-based anti-government organisation known as ‘Tonder’ and ‘Assembly of the Kingdom of Iran’ and was captured in July 2020. This organisation was linked to the attack in Shiraz on 12 April 2008, which killed 14 people and injured 215 others, as well as to a number of armed attacks and sabotage throughout the country.
Mahmoud Alawi, then Minister of Intelligence, announced the arrest of Sharmehd, who is known to have been carrying out anti-Iranian activities in the US state of California, in his country and said, “People like Sharmehd are making a mistake by trusting the US and the Zionist regime because these two support them as long as their interests are served. ” After his arrest, Sharmehd was brought before the cameras blindfolded, and footage of him confessing to his role as the mastermind of the attack in Shiraz was reportedly broadcast on state television.
It is reported in the US media that Iranian intelligence attempted to kill Sharmehd, who was allegedly the alleged instigator of the attack in Shiraz, in Los Angeles in 2009. Sharmehd was sentenced to death by the court on 21 February 2023.
