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Week of October 28, 2024 [[link removed]] | Iran Unfiltered is a digest tracking Iranian politics & society by the National Iranian American Council

*
Iran
Executes
Jamshid
Sharmahd,
Prompting
Outcry
and
Escalating
Diplomatic
Tensions
with
Germany
[[link removed]]
*
Iran
Mulls
Possible
Counterattack
Against
Israel
[[link removed]]
*
Advisor
to
Supreme
Leader
Warns
Iran
Could
Revisit
Missile
Range
Limitations
[[link removed]]
*
Fatal
Attack
in
Taftan:
Lack
of
Equipment
Leads
to
Increased
Casualties
in
Sistan-Baluchestan
[[link removed]]
*
Iran
Appoints
First
Sunni
Baloch
Governor
and
Approves
High-Ranking
Sunni
Official
[[link removed]]
*
Narges
Mohammadi
Transferred
from
Evin
Prison
to
Hospital
[[link removed]]
*
Iran
Lifts
iPhone
Registration
Ban,
Sparking
Market
Reactions
and
Price
Surge
[[link removed]]
*
Social
Media
Users
Embrace
Shervin
Hajipour’s
New
Anti-War
Song
[[link removed]]

Iran Executes Jamshid Sharmahd, Prompting Outcry and Escalating Diplomatic Tensions with Germany [[link removed]]
Iran executed German-Iranian dual national Jamshid Sharmahd on October 28, 2024, accusing him of “corruption on earth” for allegedly orchestrating terrorist activities . Iranian authorities identified Sharmahd as the leader of Tondar, an armed faction within the Kingdom Assembly of Iran, which was implicated in a 2008 mosque bombing in Shiraz that killed 14 people, including children, and injured hundreds more. Sharmahd’s family, however, disputed this claim and maintained he was merely a spokesperson for the group and helped maintain Tondar’s website.

Sharmahd was allegedly abducted by Iranian agents in 2020 while visiting Dubai and brought to Iran . According to the Associated Press, Sharmahd’s family provided data suggesting his transfer to Oman before reaching Iran. Judge Salavati, known for severe sentencing in political cases, presided over Sharmahd’s trial, which human rights organizations criticized as lacking fair legal standards. Following Sharmahd’s capture, Iran aired televised “confessions” that human rights monitors argue were extracted under torture. Activists warned that Sharmahd’s abduction and alleged forced confessions breached international norms, raising due process concerns in the case that ultimately led to his execution.

Since 2007, Iran has classified the Kingdom Assembly as a terrorist organization, accusing its armed wing, Tondar, of attempts to “overthrow the Islamic Republic .” The Kingdom Assembly has faced internal divisions since its founder, Fardad Fouladvand, disappeared in Turkey in 2007. Former spokesperson Resita Montaqi distanced the Assembly from Tondar’s actions, emphasizing a cultural mission. Prior to his arrest, Sharmahd stated his support for “armed resistance” against Iran’s government, though his family asserts he was uninvolved in violence.

Sharmahd’s family reported no contact with him post-abduction, and his daughter Ghazaleh said German officials were denied access . Sharmahd, a software engineer who had lived in Los Angeles, held dual citizenship in Germany. Following his capture, Iranian media falsely claimed his detention in Tajikistan, which Tajik authorities denied. His family clarified he was taken from Dubai en route to India for business.

Sharmahd’s execution is yet another example of Iran’s government targeting dissidents abroad . In 2020, Iran detained exiled activist Habib Chaab of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz group in Turkey and transported him to Iran, where he was tried and executed. Likewise, Ruhollah Zam – an exile in France who ran a popular opposition Telegram channel – was lured to Iraq by Iranian security, abducted and executed after a trial in Iran.

Germany strongly condemned the execution of Sharmahd, summoning Iran’s ambassador in Berlin, recalling its ambassador from Tehran, and stating its “strong objection” to Iran’s actions . Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock declared that executing a German citizen would have “serious consequences.” Iran has four consulates in Germany—in Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, in addition to its Berlin embassy—all of which Germany ordered to close. The Berlin embassy will remain operational.

Iran responded by summoning Hans Peter Jugel, the German chargé d’affaires, and described Germany’s decision as “unjustified and indefensible .” Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned Baerbock’s statement as “crude, interventionist, and lacking courtesy.” Baerbock, currently in New York, commented that German-Iranian relations were already at a “low point” before Sharmahd’s execution, accusing Tehran of “politicizing the lives” of what she described as “hostages.” She highlighted other German nationals detained in Iran and urged the EU to add Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its terrorist organization list.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi defended the execution by pointing at Sharmahd’s alleged role in terrorism , stating, “No terrorist in Iran is immune from justice, even if supported by Germany,” and criticized the EU’s stance as hypocritical, citing Germany’s arms sales to Israel, which he stated contribute to violence in Gaza and Lebanon.

Diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Berlin have escalated in recent months, with Germany previously shutting down the Islamic Center in Hamburg over alleged Hezbollah links and anti-Semitism , and closing the Goethe Institute’s language facilities in Tehran. Relations between Iran and other European capitals are also strained, with recent sanctions from the EU and UK on Iran Air, severely impacting Iran’s international civilian flights.

The U.S. also strongly condemned the execution of Sharmahd. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated “We condemn the execution of German-Iranian dual citizen Jamshid Sharmahd, which reminds us once again of the brutal – brutality and repression that characterizes the Iranian regime. We offer our sincere condolences to his loved ones. We have been in touch with them to express those condolences directly.” He continued, “This is the latest abhorrent act by Iran following the transnational repression it committed when it abducted him. It also underscores the record pace of unjust executions that Iran continues unabated, despite Iran’s attempts to put a gentler face to the international community.”

Iran Mulls Possible Counterattack Against Israel [[link removed]]
While Israel’s October 26 strike on Iran was perhaps smaller than initially threatened, reports in Western press indicate that Iran may be planning another counterstrike. As reported by CNN , Israel officials indicate they have a “high level of readiness” for a response from Iran. However, the source indicated that Israel is “still assessing the decision-making process in Iran” on how they may respond. Likewise, Axios indicated that “Iran is preparing to attack Israel from Iraqi soil in the coming days, possibly before the U.S. presidential election,” citing Israeli sources.

Iranian leaders issued warnings of a powerful response following an Israeli airstrike on Iranian military targets last week . On Thursday, senior commanders from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced their intent to retaliate without detailing specifics.

IRGC Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami criticized Israel’s recent actions, declaring, “You do not know the people of Iran . During Operation Truthful Promise 2, you witnessed how your skies were split and your missile defense faltered. This time, your error will be met with an unimaginable response.” Salami previously warned of “bitter and unimaginable consequences” for Israel’s recent moves.

Ali Fadavi, Deputy Commander of the IRGC, emphasized Iran’s ability to strike deep within Israel, asserting that the consequences of Israel’s actions would be “painful and beyond what the occupier can imagine .” In an interview with Al Mayadeen, a Hezbollah-linked network, Fadavi reiterated, “Iran’s response to Israeli aggression is certain. Over the past forty years, we have answered every act of aggression, and we have the capability to target all Zionist assets in one operation.” Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani, head of the Supreme Leader’s office, vowed that Iran would deliver a “severe and crushing response” to Israel.

Asked about the possibility of an Iranian response, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller warned against any Iranian reprisal . “[W]e believe that they should not respond. We believe that that was an appropriate response by the Government of Israel to an unprecedented attack by Iran, but that this should be the end of it.”

Miller went on to note that a larger attack inside of Iran targeting oil and nuclear infrastructure could easily spiral out of control. “We made very clear – you heard from the President – that he did not believe attacks on nuclear facilities or attacks on oil facilities were a wise choice by the state of Israel at this time,” said Miller. “And if you look at what could have happened from that nature of attack, it’s easy to – for people to sit on the sidelines and say, oh, it’s a perfectly appropriate attack for the Government of Israel to make, not thinking through what the consequences of such an attack would be, and the fact that Iran would respond, and then Israel would respond, and soon after that we will find ourselves in a full-scale regional war, which is certainly not in Israel’s interest or in the interest of anyone in the region.”

In a counter-statement on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the airstrikes and indicated Israel’s readiness to carry out further actions if necessary . “Israel has greater freedom of action in Iran today than ever before,” Netanyahu said to a graduating class of Israeli officers. “If needed, we can reach any point in Iran. My priority for the Israeli army and intelligence is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.”

According to Israeli military officials, the strikes early on Saturday, October 26, targeted missile production facilities and other sites near Tehran and in western Iran . Reports indicated that Israel hit four of Iran’s S-300 air defense systems, among other targets. The Iranian military confirmed that Israel had struck bases in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces but stated that the attacks were successfully contained, though “limited damage” was reported in some areas. Iran also reported that five people, mainly military personnel, were killed.

Following the attack, Iran’s response was initially muted, with officials downplaying the severity of the strikes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement asserting Iran’s “duty to defend itself” while also acknowledging its “responsibilities towards regional peace and security.” The recent events follow heightened tensions, with Iran launching approximately 180 ballistic missiles on October 1 in what it described as retaliation for the killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah, alongside other IRGC figures. Israeli reprisals for these attacks had been widely anticipated in the weeks since.

Advisor to Supreme Leader Warns Iran Could Revisit Missile Range Limitations [[link removed]]
The head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, which advises Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, warned that Tehran may reconsider its previous restraint on missile range limitations if Western powers, particularly in Europe, continue to disregard Iran’s concerns over territorial integrity . “If they don’t consider our sensitivities, especially on Iran’s territorial sovereignty, we have no reason to consider theirs. Expanding our missile range remains a real possibility,” Kamal Kharrazi stated in an interview with Al Mayadeen.

This is a significant remark given a policy in place that effectively limits the range of Iranian missiles to the surrounding region, stopping short of pursuing long range intercontinental ballistic missiles that could reach Europe or the United States . In 2017, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at the time, Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, asserted that Iran’s missile program is limited to a 2,000 kilometer radius around Iran under a policy endorsed by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Responding to recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, Kharrazi downplayed their effectiveness, noting that Iran’s defense systems intercepted most of the missiles , which he said led to “significant dissatisfaction within Israel” due to unmet expectations. When asked about potential Iranian retaliation, Kharrazi emphasized that Iran is prepared to respond as needed but does not seek to inflame regional tensions. “Our goal is deterrence, and we have demonstrated that. If Israel continues its aggression, we will respond accordingly,” he said.

Kharrazi also addressed Iran’s stance on diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, expressing support for negotiations led by Palestinian and Lebanese leaders and pledging Iran’s backing for any outcomes they achieve . On the topic of Iran’s relations with the West and recent talks with the United States, he underscored Iran’s commitment to previous agreements, provided that Western nations reciprocate. “Unfortunately, they continue to favor sanctions over dialogue,” he noted.

Regarding Iran’s nuclear doctrine, Kharrazi reiterated that an existential threat could prompt Iran to revisit its policy . “Our capabilities are known, and while the Supreme Leader’s decree forbids nuclear weapons, our missile strength is evident,” he affirmed, stressing Iran’s unwillingness to overlook its security amid ongoing provocations.

Fatal Attack in Taftan: Lack of Equipment Leads to Increased Casualties in Sistan-Baluchestan [[link removed]]
Iran’s Ministry of Interior has confirmed that a terrorist attack on a patrol unit in Gohar Koh region, near Taftan, claimed the lives of 10 military personnel on Saturday, October 26 . This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in Sistan-Baluchestan, where officials have highlighted a lack of adequate military vehicles and equipment as a critical factor contributing to casualties.

In images released by Jaish al-Adl, Iranian security forces can be seen patrolling with Samand sedans and Toyota pickup trucks, placing soldiers in the truck beds in violation of basic safety standards . Sistan-Baluchestan is effectively a conflict zone for Iranian security forces, necessitating the use of specialized armored vehicles to minimize casualties. However, for years, Iranian forces have continued to suffer fatalities in this manner due to the lack of appropriate equipment, making them vulnerable to militant attacks.

The Tasnim news agency reported that armed assailants targeted a “FARAJA patrol unit” in Goharkuh, resulting in the deaths of all soldiers and personnel onboard . In response, the Ministry of Interior labeled the attack as a “terrorist act” and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. Following the attack, regional news outlets such as Haal Vash detailed that gunmen opened fire on two military vehicles, killing all occupants.

While no group initially claimed responsibility, the militant organization Jaish al-Adl later stated that it orchestrated the assault . The group released a statement on its Telegram channel, claiming responsibility for targeting what it called a “repressive patrol unit” in Taftan. Fada Hossein Maleki, a parliamentary representative from Sistan-Baluchestan, demanded accountability from Pakistan, alleging that cross-border militancy is contributing to regional instability.

In retaliation, Iran’s Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a counter-operation . Using combat drones, the IRGC claims to have “neutralized” the terrorists involved in the attack, reportedly killing four and apprehending another four. The operation, carried out with the support of intelligence units and local security forces, targeted hideouts identified through coordinated reconnaissance.

The IRGC vowed to continue operations against militant groups until security is restored in Sistan-Baluchestan . In a similar incident about a year ago, Iran attacked a reported Jaish al-Adl base within Pakistani territory, prompting Pakistan to conduct military operations inside Iran—a development that strained relations between the two countries. It remains unclear whether the recent IRGC attack occurred on Pakistani soil or within Iran.

Iran Appoints First Sunni Baloch Governor and Approves High-Ranking Sunni Official [[link removed]]
Iran’s government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, announced Mansour Bijar’s appointment as governor of Sistan-Baluchestan, marking the first time a Sunni Baloch has held this position . This comes as Iran’s parliament approved Abdulkarim Hosseinzadeh’s resignation, allowing him to assume his role as Deputy for Rural Development, positioning two ethnic and religious minorities in high-ranking government roles.

Mansour Bijar, 50, a Sunni Baloch, has served as Deputy for Urban Development in Sistan-Baluchestan, Director of the Governor’s Technical Office, Deputy Mayor of Khash, and Head of Engineering . According to Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, Bijar is the “first Sunni Baloch to be appointed as governor of Sistan-Baluchestan,” a long-standing demand from minority groups in Iran.

In reaction, prominent Sunni religious leader Molavi Abdulhamid Ismaeelzahi expressed satisfaction with the appointment , noting, “We are pleased that the cabinet selected a local from the province as governor. Bijar is capable, educated, and experienced.” He stressed the importance of appointing qualified individuals, regardless of ethnicity or religion, as key to national unity and government effectiveness.

In response to criticisms regarding Sunni representation in the cabinet, President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed Kurdish Sunni lawmaker Abdulkarim Hosseinzadeh as his deputy for rural and underprivileged areas —the highest position a Sunni has held in Iran’s government since the Islamic Revolution. Previously, Pezeshkian had faced backlash for failing to nominate a Sunni minister, leading to disappointment among Sunnis and Kurds.

Additionally, Mohajerani announced the appointment of Sunni Kurd Arash Zareh Tan-Lahouni as governor of Kurdistan in late September . Parliament’s recent decision to accept Hosseinzadeh’s resignation, allowing him to serve as Deputy for Rural Development, affirms growing government responsiveness to calls for diverse representation in high office.

Narges Mohammadi Transferred from Evin Prison to Hospital [[link removed]]
Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist, was transferred from Evin Prison to a hospital after nearly nine weeks of waiting, her husband, Taghi Rahmani, confirmed on Instagram . Rahmani stated that Mohammadi’s transfer came under pressure from international civil and human rights activists, as well as global media attention.

Rahmani noted that the prolonged delay and Mohammadi’s years of imprisonment have caused serious harm to her health, emphasizing that she now requires thorough medical care . In his post, Rahmani called for Mohammadi’s unconditional release and full access to medical services.

Mohammadi suffers from a heart condition, a mass in her chest, and chronic back pain, and has been repeatedly denied transfer to medical facilities for angiography and other assessments . On October 25, twenty-two of her fellow inmates issued an open letter highlighting Mohammadi’s “serious and multiple health issues” and urging authorities to provide her with medical attention.

Iran Lifts iPhone Registration Ban, Sparking Market Reactions and Price Surge [[link removed]]
The Iranian government has lifted its longstanding ban on the registration of iPhones, officials announced this week . Although the operational framework for implementing the change is still forthcoming, both the government spokesperson and the Minister of Communications confirmed the ban’s removal.

Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi posted on social platform X, saying, “The iPhone registration issue has been resolved through government efforts, supported by the President and actively pursued by the Ministry of Communications .” He later clarified that the decision, approved by the cabinet on November 1, had backing from both the Deputy Legal Minister and the Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade.

However, hours after the announcement, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani addressed a potential misstep regarding Apple product import tariffs, promising a correction soon . In a follow-up statement on X, she clarified that while the cabinet approved lifting the import ban on Apple products, decisions about import tariffs would be announced in the coming days.

Since the release of the iPhone 13 nearly three years ago, Iran has restricted registration and import of newer models, making the iPhone 13 the most expensive model available in the market. Mobile phone registration in its current form started in 2017, requiring owners to register devices or face service suspension after 30 days, a measure aimed at curbing phone smuggling.

Despite the recent developments, tariffs remain a contentious issue . In June, the cabinet extended the ban on iPhone 14 imports and newer models, setting a 96% tariff on older models like the iPhone 13. Imports of the newer models were subject to an even steeper 196% tariff, though soon after, even personal imports were banned. Meanwhile, other high-value phone brands faced a 28% commercial tariff.

Market analysts anticipate that the removal of the iPhone ban will drive prices higher for iPhone models 14 and up . Tejarat News reported that prices for the latest iPhones began to rise following the news, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max surpassing 110 million tomans, and potentially reaching 120 million tomans (roughly $2000).

Iran’s Mobile Phone Association hopes the recent move will activate around one million inactive iPhone 14 and 15 devices currently in Iran . Association head Abdolmahdi Asadi noted that iPhones comprise roughly 10% of the market and 40% of industry value, suggesting the decision will likely benefit peripheral businesses such as accessory providers and repair services.

In September, Mehr News Agency reported that over $500 million—potentially up to $1 billion—worth of iPhone models 14 and 15 had entered Iran through unofficial channels, despite the ban . Critics of the ban argued it increased iPhone smuggling rather than conserving foreign currency. Furthermore, high import tariffs, some say, have done little to stabilize the mobile market.

Despite the ban, Iranian officials were occasionally spotted using iPhones, a point not lost on critics . In 2020, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had urged government officials to limit luxury imports, referring specifically to American smartphones, cautioning, “Uncontrolled imports are dangerous… I hear that around half a billion dollars was spent importing an American luxury phone that is entirely unnecessary. While the private sector imports these, the government should prevent it.”

Social Media Users Embrace Shervin Hajipour’s New Anti-War Song [[link removed]]
Shervin Hajipour’s latest song [[link removed]] , a powerful statement against war, received overwhelming support from social media users within hours of its release . Sharing the song on his Instagram, Hajipour wrote, “In the past two decades, nearly 500,000 civilians in the Middle East have fallen victim to war. War is not just news—it’s the reality of bullets fired by soldiers under duress, and the death of innocent people who have no desire to die.”

In one poignant line, Hajipour sings, “Imagine we’re not just an excuse to sell bombs… ” Hajipour, known for his protest anthem “For…,” was previously sentenced to three years and eight months in prison, but recently announced that his sentence has been suspended and the case closed.
Support NIAC's important work by making a contribution today.
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