Germany Closes Iranian Consulates in Response to Execution of German Citizen
Libya Orders Closure
Germany has decided to close all three Iranian Consulates in the country, following the execution of an Iranian German citizen, Jamshid Sharmahd. The move was announced by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Thursday, leaving the Islamic Republic with only one diplomatic presence in Germany.
Details of the Execution
Jamshid Sharmahd, a 69-year-old Iranian German resident of Glendora, California, was executed in Iran on Monday on terrorism charges. The Iranian judiciary claimed that Sharmahd was involved in a plot to attack a mosque in reconnecting in 2008, which killed 14 people, including five women and a child, and wounded over 200 others. The trial was dismissed as a sham by Germany, the U.S., and international human rights groups.
Diplomatic Measures
Germany, outraged by the execution, called for three diplomatic measures. First, the Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s charge d’affaires on Tuesday to protest; second, the German ambassador to Iran, Markus Potzel, protested to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi; and third, Potzel was recalled for consultations.
Background on Sharmahd’s Detention
Sharmahd had been in Dubai in 2020 to travel to India for a business deal involving his software company. He hoped to get a connecting flight despite the coronavirus disruptions. His last known message was received by his family on July 28, 2020. It is unclear how his detention happened, but tracking data showed his cellphone traveled through Al Ain, Oman, and Sohar on July 30, 2020, before signaling stopped.
Exiling of Iranian Diplomats
Germany also expelled two Iranian diplomats last year after his death sentence was passed.
Iranian Government Response
The Iranian government termed Sharmahd a "terrorist criminal" and rejected Germany’s protests, labeling Baerbock’s government as complicit in Israel’s actions. The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused Baerbock of "gaslighting" and equated Sharmahd’s execution with German support for Israel.
EU Response
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that the execution of a European citizen has "seriously harmed" relations between Iran and the European Union. The EU is now considering targeted sanctions and may add Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to a terror organizations list.
Ramifications for Germany-Iran Relations
Germany has already imposed new sanctions on Iran and is pushing for further actions to secure the release of its citizens held in Iran. Foreign Minister Baerbock vowed to continue working tirelessly to free Germans imprisoned in Iran.
Further Reading
To learn more about the related articles and their analyses, explore the following links:
Conclusion
The execution of Jamshid Sharmad has sparked a major diplomatic crisis between Germany and Iran. Despite the closure of consulates, the two countries’ relations remain strained, with both sides taking firm stances against the other. As events unfold, more information will likely emerge about the motivations and future plans of both parties.
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