Relations with Iran
German ambassador returned to Iran
Updated 11/28/2024 – 1:54 p.mReading time: 1 min.
After the execution of a German citizen in Iran, relations between the two countries have sunk to a new low. Nevertheless, diplomatic relations are maintained.
Four weeks ago, the German ambassador to Iran was recalled to Berlin for consultations following the execution of German national Djamshid Sharmahd. Markus Potzel has now returned to Tehran “to emphasize our concerns locally at a high level,” as a spokesman for the Foreign Office told the German Press Agency when asked. “This particularly includes the transfer of Djamshid Sharmahd’s body as well as our other detention cases.”
Iran’s judiciary announced Sharmahd’s execution at the end of October. He was sentenced to death in spring 2023 in a controversial trial following terrorism allegations. The federal government, relatives and human rights activists vehemently rejected the allegations against him.
In response to the execution, the federal government not only ordered Potzel back to Berlin for consultations, but also closed all three Iranian consulates general in Germany. These are the representations in Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg and Munich with a total of 32 consular officials. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock justified the move with the “inhumane actions” of the Iranian leadership.
