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Week of September 16, 2024 | Iran Unfiltered is a digest tracking Iranian politics & society by the National Iranian American Council
Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, has been flown to Tehran for treatment after sustaining injuries in a series of coordinated explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday. The blasts, which targeted pagers and then walkie talkies reportedly used by Hezbollah figures – and potentially many others – claimed the lives of at least 26 people and injured more than 3,450 over the course of two days. Along with Amani, some critically wounded individuals have been transferred to Iran and Syria for advanced medical care, as Lebanon’s hospitals are overwhelmed by the influx of casualties.
In his first public response, Amani declared the attack terrorism and expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people, posting on social media platform X, “It is a source of pride and honor for me that my blood has mingled with that of the brave Lebanese people.” Despite images showing Amani with bloodstained clothes and bandages over his eyes, the Iranian embassy and his family downplayed the severity of his injuries, assuring that his recovery is going well.
Iran has vowed to pursue the incident through international channels. Iranian officials condemned the blasts, accusing Israel of orchestrating what they described as a “blind terror” campaign. President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized Western nations for their support of Israel, calling the attacks a “descent into savagery and inhumanity.”
In a formal letter to the United Nations, Iranian Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, labeled the explosions as a “crime against humanity” and held Israel responsible. The letter also blamed Western nations, particularly the United States, for emboldening Israel through unconditional support.
The explosions have further escalated tensions in the region. Hezbollah has pointed the finger at Israel for the blasts, calling the incident a “massacre” and vowing severe retaliation. Hezbollah, which has been engaged in military operations against Israel in support of Gaza, threatened further action in response to the deadly explosions. While Israel has yet to officially comment, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledged the volatile situation, noting that Israel is now confronting a “new front” in the north, and cross border strikes between Israel and Hezbollah have greatly increased. An emergency session of the UN Security Council is set to discuss the violence in Lebanon, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning that the situation is “deeply alarming” and risks further escalation.
Amid the heightened tensions, Israeli security agencies have released more details about an Israeli businessman, Moti Maman, accused of collaborating with Iranian agents in a plot to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. According to Shin Bet and Israeli police, Maman, who has connections in Turkey, allegedly met with Iranian operatives twice to discuss the assassination plans. He was reportedly tasked with several missions inside Israel, including transferring money and weapons, as well as photographing crowded public spaces. Maman was arrested last month and appeared in a Beersheba court in southern Israel, where formal charges were filed against him. Israeli authorities emphasized that his arrest is part of broader efforts to disrupt Iran-backed plots targeting senior Israeli officials.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in his first press conference, addressed a range of national and international issues, including Iran’s missile program, the lifting of sanctions, and the situation of political prisoners. Pezeshkian stated that since he took office, no missiles have been sent to Russia, contradicting recent claims made by the U.S. and the European Union, which imposed new sanctions on Iran over alleged ballistic missile deliveries to Russia.
Pezeshkian emphasized, “I can firmly say we haven’t sent anything,” and added that Iran’s missile program remains non-negotiable. He acknowledged past exchanges between Iran and Russia, but stressed that these occurred when there were no restrictions. Pezeshkian was firm on the issue of missile supplies, claiming that accusations regarding recent shipments were baseless. “If they start sanctions, how can we sit at the negotiating table?” he questioned, referring to the ongoing diplomatic tensions with the West.
He further stressed that Iran’s missile program will not be abandoned, asserting that “in our agreements with the U.S. and Europe, we are committed to the framework, but we are not pursuing nuclear weapons. They are the ones threatening us.”
Pezeshkian was also asked about recent reports suggesting that Iran supplied hypersonic missiles to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have launched attacks on Israel. Pezeshkian denied the allegations, arguing that logistical difficulties make such deliveries impossible. “We don’t even have these missiles,” he said, though he confirmed that Iran remains aligned with regional resistance movements.
On the economic front, Pezeshkian acknowledged the challenges posed by international sanctions and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regulations. He noted that Iran has no choice but to resolve issues related to FATF to improve its global standing. He confirmed that Iran remains on the FATF’s blacklist due to unresolved strategic deficiencies in its anti-money laundering policies.
Additionally, Pezeshkian committed to pushing forward on the 25-year agreement between Iran and China, ensuring that it is fully implemented as part of efforts to strengthen economic ties with both China and Russia.
During the press conference, Pezeshkian faced criticism regarding the ongoing presence of the morality police. When Maryam Shabani, a journalist, mentioned she had to take back roads to avoid the morality police, Pezeshkian responded with surprise, asking, “Is the morality police still causing trouble?” He assured that he would follow up to prevent any further harassment.
This comment sparked controversy, with the head of Iran’s Supreme Court, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, later criticizing Pezeshkian for not addressing what he viewed as inadequate hijab enforcement.
Regarding Iran’s political prisoners, Pezeshkian stated that the issue involving Mehdi Karroubi, a reformist leader under house arrest, had been resolved, and hinted at efforts to address the situation of Mir Hossein Mousavi and Zahra Rahnavard, who have been under house arrest for over a decade. However, he cautioned that “you cannot challenge the system.”
On student expulsions and restrictions on free speech, Pezeshkian expressed frustration over the punishment of students who had protested conditions in girls’ schools, stating, “Instead of punishing me for failing to manage the situation, they prosecuted the students who spoke out.”
On the subject of Afghan migrants, Pezeshkian affirmed that illegal migrants would be repatriated respectfully, while those with legal status would be treated according to established protocols. He emphasized the need for brotherly relations, while maintaining legal frameworks between states. The conference ended with Pezeshkian reiterating his commitment to addressing long-standing issues such as sanctions, freedom of speech, and economic reforms.
Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the Iranian government, announced the historic appointment of Arash Zareh-Tan Lahoni, a young Sunni Kurd, as the governor of Kurdistan Province. This marks the first time in over four decades that a Sunni Kurd has been appointed to such a significant executive position in Iran.
Zareh-Tan Lahoni, 49, was born in Paveh and holds a PhD in international economics. He previously served as a representative in Iran’s 11th Parliament and has held various roles, including positions in the Red Crescent Society of Kermanshah and Kurdistan, as well as being the governor of Javanrud and the deputy economic governor of Kurdistan.
During a cabinet meeting on September 18, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the significance of the appointment, stating, “We do not claim that our performance is flawless, but we are doing our best to deliver on our promises. The appointment of Mr. Zareh-Tan, the inclusion of women in managerial positions, and the selection of a Sunni official for rural development and deprived regions are all proof of our commitment to selecting the most capable individuals, regardless of political affiliation, religion, gender, ethnicity, or race.”
The appointment of Zareh-Tan Lahoni comes at a time when Pezeshkian faces criticism for not including a Sunni cabinet minister, despite earlier campaign promises to increase Sunni and women’s representation in high-level government positions. Sunni governors have been absent from Sunni-majority provinces for decades, with Shia governors—often non-locals—being the norm.
During the parliamentary vote of confidence for the proposed ministers, Mohammad Qassim Osmani, a representative from Boukan, voiced his disappointment: “No one gave Sunnis and women more hope than you, Mr. Pezeshkian, and now no one has discouraged them as much as you have.”
Earlier in September, Pezeshkian appointed Abdulrahim Hosseinzadeh, a Kurdish Sunni representative, as the Vice President for Rural Development and Deprived Regions, making him the highest-ranking Sunni official in Iran since the revolution. This was followed by the appointment of Mohammad Nabi Shahiki, a Baloch Sunni, as the Deputy Minister for Technology and Innovation in the Ministry of Science—another first for Iran’s Sunni community.
The appointment of Sunni officials to high-ranking government positions is unprecedented in the history of the Islamic Republic, even during the reformist administrations of Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani. Despite strong support from Sunni voters, these administrations did not appoint any Sunnis to governorships or senior executive roles, let alone to the cabinet.
Experts attribute the lack of Sunni representation in government to long-standing distrust between the central government and ethnic minorities, as well as concerns among conservative Shia clerics about maintaining “Shia guardianship” over the country. While Pezeshkian’s appointments mark a step towards greater inclusivity, critics remain skeptical about whether this shift will lead to broader changes in the government’s approach to Iran’s Sunni and ethnic minority communities.
On the second anniversary of Mahsa Jina Amini’s death in police custody, Iranian security forces have escalated arrests, particularly in Kurdish regions. According to Hengaw, a Kurdish human rights organization, at least nine Kurdish citizens were detained by security forces in Divandarreh over the past week, as part of an intensified crackdown leading up to the anniversary.
Among those arrested was Ramyar Moradi, brother of Maziar Moradi, who had been detained earlier. Ramyar was transferred to an undisclosed location, reflecting the broader pattern of arrests across the region. Meanwhile, in cities across Iran, including Mahabad, Bukan, Saqqez, Marivan, and Sanandaj, strikes by shopkeepers and workers were confirmed, organized by Kurdish political parties and civil groups to mark the anniversary.
As the anniversary drew attention worldwide, Iranian expatriates held memorials in cities across Europe, honoring Amini and the victims of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests. However, back in Iran, authorities imposed severe restrictions on the Amini family. For the second consecutive year, they were prevented from visiting Amini’s gravesite in Aychi cemetery in Saqqez. Local sources confirmed that security forces blocked the family from leaving their home, while roads leading to the cemetery were sealed off by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In response, Amini’s mother, Mojgan Eftekhari, commemorated her daughter’s death with an emotional message on Instagram, criticizing the authorities and honoring the victims of the protests. “What kind of justice is it when a daughter falls victim to those who couldn’t bear her beauty?” she wrote, adding that those responsible will be “forever disgraced in the annals of history.”
Eftekhari also clarified that her family is not affiliated with any political group, condemning the political exploitation of Mahsa’s name and the creation of fake social media accounts claiming to represent the Amini family.
Inside Evin Prison, a group of 25 female political prisoners staged a protest on the night of September 15. According to an audio file shared by imprisoned human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, the women gathered in the prison courtyard, chanting anti-government slogans such as “Woman, Life, Freedom” and “We will stand until the end to abolish the death penalty.” The protest escalated as the women burned headscarves in defiance of Iran’s hijab laws and announced plans for a hunger strike.
On September 16, Mohammadi’s Instagram account reported that 34 political prisoners in Evin Prison had begun the hunger strike to mark the second anniversary of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement and to protest the government’s repressive policies. Amid the strikes and protests, a group of Iran student activists released a statement through the Amir Kabir Telegram channel, condemning the use of the death penalty and calling for an end to the regime’s oppressive policies. They emphasized that “Woman, Life, Freedom” is more than just a slogan; it is a call for justice and life itself.
Faezeh Hashemi, a prominent political activist, former Iranian parliament member and daughter of the late Iranian President Rafsanjani, has been released from Evin Prison under conditional release, according to a source who spoke with BBC. Hashemi, known for her outspoken reformist views, was reportedly summoned to the prison office and informed of her release, though she initially opposed it, expressing a desire to return to her cell.
Despite her resistance, authorities did not allow Hashemi to bid farewell to her fellow inmates and informed her that someone would be sent to collect her belongings. The source also noted that she was released without signing any formal commitment, an uncommon occurrence in such cases.
Her lawyer, Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, had recently indicated that attempts were being made to secure her conditional release, though the process had not yet been finalized. Hashemi was serving a three-year and seven-month sentence, with two years already completed, and was scheduled for release in October 2024.
Aghasi had previously suggested that Hashemi’s recent open letter criticizing the conditions inside Evin Prison might have affected the possibility of her early release. The letter offered a scathing critique of prison life, reflecting on the contradictions of activism in Iran.
In her letter, Hashemi wrote, “In this prison, I learned that we, the so-called activists, are nothing but hollow drums and petty dictators. We sing songs of freedom and justice, but in the cycle of life, we reproduce oppression.” She emphasized that true reform in Iran requires structural changes, arguing, “The only way to establish good governance is through reforms, especially structural reforms.”
Hashemi also criticized some political prisoners, accusing them of becoming “small dictators” within the women’s ward, who imposed the same oppressive behavior they once fought against. Her candid remarks sparked widespread reactions.
Faezeh Hashemi has long been a significant figure in Iran’s reformist movement. As the daughter of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, she has played a key role in Iran’s political landscape – from former member of the 5th Parliament representing Tehran (1996-2000) to founder and editor-in-chief of the now-banned Zan newspaper in 1998 to Head of the Islamic Federation of Women’s Sports.
Hashemi has been a vocal critic of the Iranian government for years. She was also detained during the 2009 Green Movement protests and faced further political convictions in 2010 and 2015. In 2019, she called for the resignation of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. By 2021, she expressed disillusionment with both elections and the reformist movement. Her most recent arrest and sentencing followed her involvement in the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests.
Hashemi’s release comes as Iran continues to face international scrutiny over its treatment of political prisoners and its handling of the widespread protests that have shaken the country over the past two years. Scrutiny over Iran’s human rights record has only increased in this period, triggering additional sanctions.
Relatedly, according to Iranian news agencies, 59 death sentences have been commuted to imprisonment and 39 political prisoners have been pardoned in Iran.
On Friday, September 20, the Judicial Deputy of the Judiciary announced that these individuals were pardoned by the order of the Supreme Leader of Iran, in commemoration of the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad and the seventh Shia Imam.
As reported by Iranian outlets, the pardon includes 140 female convicts and 39 “security” convicts. However, the names of these “security” prisoners, a term commonly used by the Iranian government for political prisoners, have not been disclosed.
Sadegh Rahimi, Judicial Deputy of the Judiciary, stated that the Supreme Leader had approved the pardon or sentence reduction for a total of 2,887 people. This group includes 2,745 convicts from public and revolutionary courts, 11 from the military judicial system, and 131 from the Governmental Discretionary Punishment Organization.
Of the 2,745 convicts from the public and revolutionary courts, 1,291 were fully pardoned, leading to their release and the closure of their cases, while the remaining 1,596 received sentence reductions. According to Mizan News Agency, the pardon also includes 40 foreign nationals, and six individuals under the age of 18. However, no details regarding the nature of their crimes were provided.
In a separate statement, Tehran’s prosecutor, Ali Salehi, announced that in addition to the pardons, over 6,000 prisoners who are parents of school-age children will be granted temporary leave in honor of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth, the birth of the seventh Shia Imam, and the start of the new school year.
Iranian authorities have released Christian Weber, an Austrian national who had been detained in Iran, \to the Austrian ambassador in Tehran, according to Iran’s judiciary news outlet, Mizan. Weber, who was arrested in West Azerbaijan province, was reportedly released under “Islamic clemency and compassion.”
Naser Atabati, the head of the judiciary in West Azerbaijan, did not disclose the specific charges against Weber. However, Austria had previously announced in 2022, following the death of Mahsa Jina Amini in police custody, that one of its citizens had been detained in Iran. Austria stated at the time that the charges were unrelated to the protests sparked by Amini’s death.
Iranian state media reported that Wolfgang Dietrich Heim, the Austrian ambassador to Iran, visited the office of the judiciary in West Azerbaijan to oversee the final arrangements for Weber’s release and his return to Austria. Photos of the ambassador’s meeting with Iranian judicial officials were published by Iranian media.
Austrian officials expressed their gratitude to Iran for Weber’s release. Iranian state media highlighted that the Austrian ambassador conveyed “the thanks of both the Austrian government and Weber’s family” for the good treatment they received during their previous travel to Iran.
Weber, 27 at the time of his arrest in August 2022, had entered Iran overland and was detained shortly after his arrival. He was initially held in Urmia prison before being transferred to Maku prison. According to the German news outlet Kleine Zeitung, Weber was accused of “spying for the U.S. and the UK” based on information allegedly provided by Somali security services. However, the charges were later changed to “possession of dangerous weapons.”
In early 2023, Austrian activists launched a campaign demanding Weber’s release, gathering signatures and urging their government to intervene. The petition emphasized that Weber had been cleared of espionage charges but remained imprisoned in harsh conditions. The activists reported that Weber had spent six months in a cell with 48 other inmates, without a proper bed, and suffered from severe back pain.
Weber’s release follows a pattern in Iran, where foreign nationals – especially those from Western countries – have been detained on charges of espionage or collaboration with hostile governments. In many cases, these individuals are later exchanged in prisoner swaps. In June 2023, two other Austrian-Iranian dual citizens, Massoud Mosaheb and Kamran Ghaderi, were freed in a prisoner exchange involving Asadollah Assadi, an Iranian diplomat convicted in Europe for involvement in a foiled terrorist plot.
While Iran has consistently condemned such arrests of its diplomats, specifically calling Assadi’s detention a violation of diplomatic immunity and international law, international human rights organizations and Western governments have criticized Iran for what they describe as the political use of foreign detainees as leverage in diplomatic negotiations. At present, several other foreign nationals, particularly from Western countries, remain imprisoned in Iran, fueling ongoing diplomatic tensions.
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