Diplomatic relations between Germany and Iran are at an all-time low. The execution of the German-Iranian Jamshid Sharmahd is the cause of this – Germany has now closed the three Iranian consulates general in Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich.
“We have repeatedly made it clear to Tehran that the execution of a German citizen will have serious consequences,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said in New York on Thursday.
Situation already tense
At the same time, Baerbock accused Iran of playing a destabilizing role in the Middle East. “It is not without reason that our diplomatic relations are already at a low point,” she emphasized. Baerbock also said she would increasingly push for the Iranian Revolutionary Guards to be listed as a terrorist organization in Brussels.
Relations between Iran and the EU are very tense due, among other things, to Iran’s arms deliveries to Russia in the war in Ukraine and the mullahs’ regime’s support for Hamas and Hezbollah, classified as terrorist organizations in Germany, as well as for the Yemeni Houthis.
Workers must leave the country
Now the execution of Sharmahd, who was abducted to Iran by the Iranian secret service, led to a new level of escalation. The closures affect 32 Iranian consular staff, whose so-called exequatur, i.e. permission to exercise consular functions, will be revoked. This means that they will probably lose their right to reside in Germany.
The Iranian embassy remains open. About 300,000 people of Iranian descent live in Germany. There have been repeated allegations that Tehran is also taking action against dissidents in Germany. The Islamic Center in Hamburg, through which Iran is said to have exerted influence on circles in exile, was recently closed.
Sharp protests after execution
Sharmahd was sentenced to death for allegedly planning a terrorist attack. Western observers had spoken of a show trial. The Iranian side had rejected consular assistance requested by Germany, citing his Iranian nationality. On Monday it was announced that he had been executed. This led to sharp protests in Germany and the EU.
“Inhuman behavior”
Baerbock spoke of the regime’s “inhumane actions.” “The murder of Jamshid Sharmahd once again demonstrates the terrible ruthlessness of Iran’s unjust regime,” she added. Tehran mainly uses the language of blackmail, threats and violence. “The recent statements by the Iranian Foreign Minister, in which he places the cold-blooded murder in the context of German support for Israel, also speak for themselves.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
