Germany closes three Iranian consulates following execution of Iranian-German detainee

Germany has decided to shut down all three of its Iranian consulates due to the recent execution of Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian German national. Sharmahd, who had been residing in the United States, was kidnapped by Iranian security forces in Dubai back in 2020 and faced terrorism charges in Iran. He was executed on Monday, a move that has drawn significant disapproval from Germany, the United States, and various international human rights organizations, which condemned the trial he underwent as lacking credibility and fairness.

Announcing this significant diplomatic action, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that the closures will affect the Iranian consulates located in Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. Following this decision, the Islamic Republic of Iran is left with only its embassy in Berlin, diminishing its diplomatic presence in Germany.

This response highlights the growing tensions between Germany and Iran, particularly regarding human rights and the treatment of Iranians abroad. The execution of Sharmahd, widely seen as politically motivated, has prompted a strong backlash and raised concerns about the legal processes within Iran, further straining diplomatic relations. The situation underscores the ongoing issues surrounding justice and security for Iranian nationals and the responsibilities of international states in addressing such severe human rights violations.