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Week of July 29, 2024 | Iran Unfiltered is a weekly digest tracking Iranian politics & society by the National Iranian American Council - sign up to receive it in your inbox here.
On Wednesday, July 31, Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian group Hamas, was assassinated along with one of his bodyguards as Haniyeh was in Tehran for the inauguration of Masoud Pezeshkian. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced in a statement: “Dr. Ismail Haniyeh, Head of Hamas’ Political Bureau, and one of his guards were martyred due to an attack on their residence in Tehran.”
There have been conflicting reports about the circumstances of the assassination. News agencies Tasnim and Fars, close to the IRGC, provided new details about the incident, stating that Haniyeh was staying “in a special residence for veterans in northern Tehran” and was killed “around 2 AM on Wednesday, July 31, by a projectile.”
The Iranian judiciary’s official news agency, Mizan, reported that an unnamed Iranian source told Al-Mayadeen that Haniyeh’s assassination was the result of “a missile fired from one country to another.” The source emphasized that the missile used in the assassination “did not originate from within Iran.” Meanwhile, Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’ deputy leader in Gaza, explained in a press conference in Tehran that eyewitnesses accompanying Mr. Haniyeh said, “a missile entered the room.”
Al-Hayya stated, “It was a direct hit. We are now awaiting a full investigation by the relevant authorities and our brothers.” He added that “the location of the incident was destroyed by the missile explosion.” The New York Times, citing seven government officials, including two Iranians and one American, claimed: “The bomb had been hidden approximately two months ago in the guesthouse, according to five Middle Eastern officials. The guesthouse, run and protected by the IRGC, is part of a large compound known as Neshat, located in an upscale neighborhood in northern Tehran.”
Haniyeh’s assassination in Iran has once again highlighted concerns about Israel’s influence within Iran’s security apparatus. Israel has repeatedly carried out sabotage operations in Iran that require extensive intelligence capabilities. A week earlier, Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, claimed to have “dismantled a Mossad infiltration network,” describing it as a “turning point” in the ministry’s record under the Raisi administration.
On July 24, 2024, Khatib stated, “The Mossad network was assassinating our scientists or sabotaging vital centers. Under the 13th administration, this network, its access, and its capabilities were eliminated.” However, the assassination of Haniyeh has made clear that Khatib’s statements were unfounded. In contrast, former Iranian intelligence minister Ali Younesi, in an interview six months after the assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh near Tehran in July 2020, said, “All officials of the Islamic Republic should worry about their lives.”
Taghi Rahmani, an opposition political activist, believes that Israel’s intelligence infiltration began years before the Iranian Revolution and has continued since. Rahmani, citing the memoirs of Fardoust, a former official of the previous regime, states that in 1966, Israel had 500 spies in Iran. He claims that this network expanded significantly until the the Iranian Revolution and continues to operate in Iran.
Some have also criticized the choice to have Haniyeh stay in a building surrounded by mountains, which made it a suitable target for enemies with oversight from various points. A civilian posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) from their hiking route, highlighting that ordinary hikers on the Tochal trail had clear visibility of the building.
The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh occurred just hours after the assassination of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, also known as Haj Mohsen, in the Dahieh suburb of Beirut. In this attack, an Iranian military advisor named Milad Bidi was also reportedly killed by Israel. The deaths of these two significant figures from the “Axis of Resistance” have created a highly tense situation.
Many observers have noted that the assassination of Haniyeh, who was deeply involved in negotiations regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address before the U.S. Congress. Fresh off sustained applause from Republicans and the Democrats who chose to attend, Netanyahu took a dangerous step that has effectively eliminated near-term prospects for the ceasefire Biden reportedly favors and significantly increased the risk of escalating the war. Iran and Hezbollah now find themselves in a situation where they reportedly see no real choice but to take significant military or security action.
Various Iranian political and military officials are now talking openly about revenge in the form of military escalation. Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, who had met and spoken with Ismail Haniyeh before Masoud Pezeshkian’s inauguration, reacted to his death by speaking of the “duty of avenging the bloodshed,” stating that “Israel has paved the way for severe punishment.” Khamenei wrote in a message: “In this tragic and severe incident that occurred within the territory of the Islamic Republic, we consider avenging the bloodshed as our duty.” The Iranian Foreign Ministry also declared that Haniyeh’s death would “strengthen the deep and unbreakable bond” between the Islamic Republic and the Palestinians, as well as the “resistance.”
Masoud Pezeshkian, the new President of Iran, reacted to Haniyeh’s assassination, stating, “We will make the terrorists regret their actions. Today, beloved Iran mourns its partner in joy and sorrow, the courageous leader of the Palestinian resistance, martyr of Jerusalem, Haj Ismail Haniyeh. Yesterday, I raised his victorious hand, and today, I must carry him on my shoulders.” He continued, “Martyrdom is the art of God’s men. The bond between the proud nations of Iran and Palestine will be stronger than before, and the path of resistance and defense of the oppressed will be pursued with more power than ever…The Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its territorial integrity, dignity, honor, and pride, and will make the terrorist occupiers regret their cowardly actions. ‘Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Owner of Retribution.'”
The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri, emphasized that revenge is certain and various actions must be taken, without elaborating further. Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the IRGC, remarked that the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh by Israel in Tehran would “ignite the fire of anger and revenge among the faithful warriors of the great Islamic Resistance.” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, blamed the United States, saying, “All these responsibilities and incidents lie with the criminal America, and no crime happens without its coordination and support. Although they feign ignorance in the media, we know that nothing happens without their guidance.” Ghalibaf added, “It is our duty to react at the right place and time. It is very bitter for us that our dear guest was martyred in our house and left us grieving and mourning.”
Mohsen Mirdamadi, a well-known academic and reformist figure, took a different stance on the matter, suggesting the response should be to root out the assassins and accomplices. According to Mirdamadi, “The shocking assassination of Ismail Haniyeh was painful and demands a response. The most effective and decisive response to Israel is to identify and eliminate the infiltrators who have deeply penetrated the system. Do not target critics and protesters; the infiltrators are those whose shouts of ‘Death to Israel’ can be heard all the way to Tel Aviv.”
Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, also echoed Khamenei’s promise of harsh revenge in his first speech after the assassination of Haj Mohsen and Haniyeh. On August 1 in Beirut, Nasrallah stated that the battle with Israel had entered a new phase. The Hezbollah Secretary-General said several countries had urged the group not to respond to the Israeli attack that killed one of its senior commanders in the Beirut suburbs, but emphasized that the assassination would only strengthen their resolve.
According to Nasrallah, “The assassination of leaders does not affect the resistance; experience has shown that the resistance continues to grow and strengthen.” Addressing Israel, Nasrallah said, “You will cry a lot because you don’t know which red lines you have crossed. Do the Zionist regime and its supporters think that they can assassinate Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and that Tehran will remain silent?” Nasrallah also called for an end to the war in Gaza and said: “If someone genuinely wants to prevent the region from deteriorating further, they must press for an end to the war against Gaza.” He added: “The enemy and those behind the enemy should expect our inevitable response. Between us and you, there are days and nights and battlefields.” He also pointed out that the reaction to the assassination of Fuad Shukr would differ from actions on the northern front. Nasrallah suggested that a joint operation by various groups within the “Axis of Resistance” might also be considered.
The swearing-in ceremony for Masoud Pezeshkian, the ninth President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, took place on Tuesday, August 1, in the Iranian Parliament. The event saw attendance from key Iranian state, government, and military officials, as well as international representatives, including a delegation from the Taliban, members of Hamas and Hezbollah, the Chairman of the Russian State Duma, and a minister from Saudi Arabia.
The official endorsement ceremony, which marked the commencement of Pezeshkian’s presidency as the 14th Presidential administration of Iran, occurred earlier on July 28. The ceremony was attended by 2,500 individuals, including government and military officials, academic leaders, representatives from various sectors, families of war victims, and foreign ambassadors based in Tehran. Mohammad Golpayegani, head of the Supreme Leader’s office, read the endorsement letter, officially inaugurating Pezeshkian’s term. The new president was described as a “wise, honest, popular, and knowledgeable” individual, with the endorsement reaffirming support as long as his policies align with Islamic and revolutionary principles.
During the swearing-in ceremony, a mix of applause and religious chants filled the air. In Iranian official events, religious blessings often take precedence over applause. Among the notable international attendees were Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and the Prime Ministers from Armenia, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Cuba, Myanmar, and Pakistan, along with Enrique Mora, the Deputy High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Representatives from neighboring countries, including Iraq and Saudi Arabia, were also in attendance. However, the sparse attendance of high-profile international leaders was notable. Reformist political activist Ahmad Zeidabadi remarked on X (formerly Twitter) that the low-key international presence might indicate a lack of expectation for significant changes in Iran’s policies. Previous inaugurations of reformist and moderate presidents had attracted more substantial international participation.
Despite the challenging circumstances facing Pezeshkian, particularly the numerous international issues and the heightened tensions following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, it seems that Pezeshkian has managed to garner support from various sectors of the government, especially from the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. This support may give him a more favorable position compared to his predecessors, Hassan Rouhani and Mohammad Khatami, who also sought to implement some reforms. In a speech to parliament members last week, Ayatollah Khamenei stated: “Mr. Pezeshkian’s success in economic, cultural, international, and other areas is a success for everyone,” emphasizing the need for collective support for the newly elected president and expressing the belief that his success would be a victory for all.
Following the inauguration, Pezeshkian appointed Mohammad Reza Aref as the First Vice President. Aref, who previously served in the same position under President Mohammad Khatami, was appointed as part of a commitment to the “Vision and General Policies and Seventh Development Plan.” Aref, a 73-year-old reformist politician, has an extensive background, including serving as First Vice President from 2001 to 2005, representing the 10th Iranian Parliament, and holding roles such as Minister of Posts and Telegraphs, President of Tehran University, member of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, and member of the Expediency Discernment Council.
The appointment came shortly after Mohammad Javad Zarif, head of the 14th government’s Steering Council for selecting ministers, announced the council’s conclusion on July 29 via a post on X. Zarif highlighted the inclusion of young people, women, and capable individuals from various ethnic and religious backgrounds in the council’s recommendations. He dismissed rumors of a final shortlist of candidates as “baseless,” amid reports of lobbying by different groups for ministerial positions. The Steering Council comprised five working groups, each tasked with nominating three to five candidates, from which three final names were presented to Pezeshkian.
In a separate decree, Pezeshkian appointed Zarif as the Strategic Advisor to the President. The decree underscored Zarif’s extensive experience and qualifications, tasking him with monitoring significant domestic and international developments, assessing progress toward constitutional and vision document goals, and reporting directly to the president. The decree also emphasized the integration of strategic research center functions into the Strategic Advisory Office, with an expectation of cooperation from government agencies.
Pezeshkian also appointed Dr. Mohammad Jafar Qaempanah as the Executive Vice President and Head of the Presidential Office. Dr. Qaempanah is an ophthalmologist and corneal specialist, as well as a faculty member at Iran University of Medical Sciences. His previous roles include Deputy Minister of Development and Resource Management at the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education, President of the first City Council of Kermanshah, Deputy for Treatment at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, member of the Islamic Association, and responsible for student dispatch to the front lines during the Iran-Iraq war at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. In December 2022, during the protests, he released a video warning against the use of pellet guns by law enforcement and security officers, which led to grievous injuries among protesters who were severely injured and blinded.
Shervin Hajipour, the Iranian singer known for his protest song “Baraye,” announced in a video that his sentence of three years and eight months in prison has been upheld by the appeals court. Hajipour was convicted on charges including “propaganda against the regime” and “inciting and provoking people to riot with the intent of disrupting national security.” In addition, the court had previously imposed a two-year travel ban, which has now been lifted.
In his video, Hajipour questioned the basis of his conviction, asking, “How was I supposed to protest? How could I critique the situation? I’ve been accused of inciting violence. Which line or verse in this song incites killing?” He expressed his frustration with the disruption of his music career due to legal actions and implored authorities to “leave a piece of this land for us,” highlighting his lack of expectations for public performances or financial gains from official platforms.
The song “Baraye,” which Hajipour composed using social media posts from protesters, became an unofficial anthem of the nationwide protests in Iran in 2022 and earned him a Grammy Award. The First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, attended the Grammy Award ceremony to present Hajipour with the award in absentia. However, its popularity and attention abroad also drew the ire of Iranian security forces, leading to Hajipour’s arrest and subsequent legal challenges.
Hajipour’s video, shared on Instagram, detailed the final court ruling and his imminent imprisonment. Despite the removal of his travel ban, Hajipour emphasized his commitment to staying in Iran and pursuing legal avenues to overturn his sentence, stating, “If there’s even a slight implication, I must say that I have no plans to leave Iran anytime soon.” Hajipour’s case has drawn significant attention, both domestically and internationally, as it highlights the challenges faced by artists and activists in Iran who seek to express dissent through their work. The National Iranian American Council reiterates its call on Islamic Republic authorities to drop the unfounded charges against Hajipour, and all other prisoners of conscience, including those imprisoned in connection with the 2022 protests.
The Refugee Olympic Team for the 2024 Paris Olympics features a significant contingent of 14 Iranian athletes, comprising 38% of the team. Competing in sports such as badminton, boxing, and weightlifting are Dorsa Yavari-Far, Omid Ahmadi-Safa, and Yekta Jamali. Notably, Iran’s national teams lack representation in these disciplines, highlighting the athletes’ roles within the Refugee Team rather than their native country’s national teams.
First established during the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Refugee Olympic Team aims to provide a platform for athletes displaced by conflict, persecution, or political and economic challenges. This year, the team consists of 36 athletes from 11 countries, competing in 12 sports. Of these, Iranian athletes make up the largest group from any single nation within the team. This trend underscores a broader pattern of migration among Iran’s elite, spanning various sectors including academia, healthcare, and increasingly, sports.
The migration pattern in Iran differs from that of many other countries. While war and economic issues are often the primary motivators for migration in other nations, in Iran, social issues also play a significant role. The Iranian middle class, particularly artists, athletes, and professionals, often hold values that conflict with those of the Iranian government. Issues such as domestic repression, the prohibition of athletes competing against Israeli athletes, along with economic pressures, are among the reasons driving these individuals to leave Iran.
Profiles of Iranian Refugee Athletes:
Matin Balasini (Swimming): The 23-year-old holds the Iranian record for the 200-meter butterfly and competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Following disagreements with Iranian officials, he left the country.
Omid Ahmadi-Safa (Boxing): The 31-year-old boxer left Iran after participating in Italy, reportedly due to lack of support and broken promises from officials.
Mahbubeh Barbery (Judo): Barbery, a 32-year-old judoka, moved to Germany in 2018, citing gender discrimination as a reason for seeking asylum.
Saeid Fazlouli (Kayaking): The 31-year-old sought asylum in Germany in 2015 and had previously trained with the Iranian national team.
Iman Mahdavi (Freestyle Wrestling): Mahdavi moved to Italy in 2020 and has since achieved notable success in European competitions.
Dorsa Yavari-Far (Badminton): The 21-year-old relocated to the UK in 2018 and is studying sports science while continuing her badminton career.
Jamal Valizadeh (Greco-Roman Wrestling): Valizadeh, who won a national competition in Iran in 2011, now competes in France under the Refugee Team.
Hadi Tiran Valipour (Taekwondo): Valipour, a former member of Iran’s national team, left for Italy in 2022 and will compete in the 58kg category.
Saman Soltani (Kayaking): Soltani, a silver medalist at the Asian Championships, left Iran seeking better opportunities.
Amir Rezanezhad (Canoeing): Rezanezhad, previously with Iran’s national team, now competes as a refugee.
Mohammad Rashnonezhad (Judo): Rashnonezhad, who defected after a competition in Europe, now represents the Refugee Team.
Dina Pouryounes (Taekwondo): Pouryounes, a bronze medalist at the 2012 Asian Championships, is competing for the second time under the Refugee Team.
Kashan Mahdi-Pournezhad (Taekwondo): Mahdi-Pournezhad moved to Germany in 2017 and competes in the 80kg category.
Yekta Jamali (Weightlifting): Jamali, the first Iranian woman to win an international medal in weightlifting, sought asylum in Germany after facing challenging conditions in Iran.
The participation of these athletes in the Refugee Olympic Team reflects a growing phenomenon of many talented Iranians leaving their country. The athletes’ stories highlight their resilience and the complex factors driving the emigration of Iran’s skilled individuals. Their involvement in the Paris Olympics not only underscores their skill and perseverance but also brings attention to the broader issues of brain drain and talent loss in Iran amid dire economic conditions and increasing internal repression in recent years.
Iran is grappling with an unprecedented surge in electricity consumption, approaching a peak usage of 80,000 megawatts per day, according to Mostafa Rajabi Mashhadi, spokesperson for the country’s power industry. Rajabi Mashhadi highlighted the significant strain on the system, particularly noting that around 35,000 megawatts per day are consumed by cooling systems. “Despite the heat, people are reporting that some banks are so cold it’s uncomfortable,” he said. A recent social media video underscored this issue, showing a bank in Tehran running air conditioning overnight while citizens face power cuts and are urged to conserve electricity during peak daytime hours.
The economic impact of these power shortages is severe. Naser Beigi, President of the Arak Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, stated that daily power outages cost Iran’s manufacturing sector 5,000 billion tomans. “As a producer, it’s puzzling why we continue to export electricity to Iraq, bartering for unrelated goods, while our factories suffer,” Beigi remarked.
Private sector leaders have warned that without increased investment in energy infrastructure, the situation will deteriorate further, especially impacting major industries such as steel, cement, and metallurgy. The electricity crisis has permeated all aspects of life in Iran, leading to widespread shutdowns. Mehdi Masaeli, Secretary of the Electricity Industry Syndicate, told Tejarat News that the sector faces an economic crisis with dwindling investments. “The power crisis has become a critical issue in Iran’s economy, particularly during the summer when demand peaks. The government has reverted to old measures, like national holidays, to manage the situation,” he explained.
Over the past decade, sanctions, the exclusion of the private sector from the electricity industry, government control over energy resources, and capital flight have left the sector severely underfunded. Masaeli questioned the efficacy of temporary shutdowns. “This issue has roots going back 10 to 15 years, starting with the subsidy reform plan that weakened investment in this industry. Since 2010, the sector has been crippled,” he stated.
He outlined two possible solutions: investing $8 billion in optimizing consumption or $25 billion in building new infrastructure, such as power plants, transmission lines, and substations. “With a current shortfall of 20,000 megawatts, significant investment is needed to address this crisis,” Masaeli emphasized. He predicted that if current trends continue, the shortfall could reach 24,000 megawatts next year. The increased use of air conditioners, particularly in densely populated areas, has worsened the situation. “Despite urging people to optimize their use of swamp coolers, rising temperatures have made air conditioners more appealing, which consume significantly more power,” he noted.
Fuel shortages have further complicated the crisis, with some power plants forced to burn mazut instead of gas, leading to more frequent breakdowns. Several plants are currently undergoing repairs and are expected to resume operation soon, according to the energy minister. Masaeli concluded by highlighting that the fuel crisis has exacerbated the electricity shortage, resulting in significant cutbacks in administrative operations and services.
Dr. Roy Parviz Mottahedeh, a distinguished historian and esteemed scholar of Iran history and culture, passed away on July 31, 2024 at 83 years old. Dr. Mottahedeh’s contributions to the understanding of medieval Islamic civilization, the history of the Middle East, and the role of religion in society have left an indelible mark on academia and beyond.
Born in New York City in 1940, Dr. Mottahedeh pursued an illustrious academic career. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and a D.Phil. from the University of Oxford. His tenure at Harvard University, beginning in 1980, was marked by his role as a Professor of Islamic History, where he influenced countless students and scholars with his deep knowledge and insightful perspectives.
Dr. Mottahedeh’s work, including the seminal book “The Mantle of the Prophet: Religion and Politics in Iran,” explored the intricate interplay of religion and politics in Iran, providing a nuanced understanding of the country’s complex historical and cultural landscape. His scholarship earned him numerous accolades, including fellowships from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Guggenheim Foundation.
Throughout his career, Dr. Mottahedeh was a passionate advocate for cross-cultural understanding. His teachings emphasized the importance of historical context in grasping the complexities of the Islamic world, fostering a deeper appreciation for its rich intellectual traditions.
In the wake of his passing, NIAC extends its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Mottahedeh’s family and the Iranian-American community. NIAC recognizes his remarkable contributions to the field of Islamic studies and his dedication to promoting dialogue and understanding across cultures. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations in the pursuit of knowledge and cultural appreciation. Dr. Roy Parviz Mottahedeh’s loss is deeply felt by colleagues, students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His work and passion for history and culture have left a lasting impact, ensuring that his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those who were touched by his scholarship and humanity.
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