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TEHRAN \u2013 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Germany over its response to the case of German-Iranian prisoner Jamshid Sharmahd and the broader diplomatic rift that has since emerged.<\/p>\n
He made the remarks in an interview with the German weekly Der Spiegel, published on Friday.<\/p>\n
The incident has significantly strained Iran-Germany relations, with Germany recently closing Iran\u2019s consulates. Araghchi contended that Germany\u2019s actions demonstrate double standards and accused Berlin of selectively applying its human rights concerns.<\/p>\n
Araghchi defended Iran\u2019s handling of Sharmahd, who was sentenced to death after being accused of orchestrating a 2008 mosque bombing in Shiraz, which killed 14 people and injured over 200. While Western critics argue that Sharmahd was denied a fair trial and possibly subjected to mistreatment, Araghchi disputed these allegations, stating that Iran\u2019s legal process met Iranian standards.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He argued that Sharmahd\u2019s self-incriminating statements about his role in the bombing \u2014 which he made while living in the U.S. \u2014 justified the sentence under Iranian law.<\/p>\n
The Foreign Minister also voiced frustration with Germany\u2019s apparent uproar over the case, noting that Sharmahd is a terrorist undeserving of Western support. Araghchi expressed disbelief at the diplomatic escalation, suggesting that European governments should consider Iran\u2019s perspective and avoid political propaganda.<\/p>\n
“I regret that this is straining German-Iranian relations and I wish I could have prevented it,” Araghchi said.<\/p>\n
“But to do that, the German government would have had to cooperate and communicate that this is a terrorist, instead of defending someone who has trampled all humanitarian standards underfoot,” he added, according to Spiegel’s English edition published online.<\/p>\n
Throughout the interview, Araghchi highlighted what he called Europe\u2019s inconsistency on human rights. He accused Germany of overlooking casualties in Gaza, citing Europe\u2019s response to the current conflict between Israel and Hamas as indicative of selective human rights concerns. In his view, Germany and Europe\u2019s vocal condemnation of Iran contrasts sharply with muted criticism of Israel.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Europe\u2019s selective support for human rights only deepens global divides,\u201d Araghchi argued, pointing to the lack of sanctions on Israel despite ongoing Palestinian suffering. He added that these inconsistencies fuel mistrust and deepen the rift between the West and nations like Iran.<\/p>\n
Araghchi took the opportunity to defend Iran\u2019s support of groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which Tehran views as freedom movements resisting Western influence. He questioned the West\u2019s designation of these groups as \u201cterrorist organizations,\u201d arguing that they reflect Iran\u2019s commitment to independence and resistance rooted in the principles of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Further addressing claims of Iran\u2019s alignment with Russia amid the Ukraine crisis, Araghchi clarified that Tehran fully supports Ukraine\u2019s territorial integrity and never has approved of Russia\u2019s military invasion.<\/p>\n
On the possibility of reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, Araghchi signaled Iran\u2019s tentative openness to negotiations but stressed the need for a fresh agreement as the current one is set to expire in October 2025. He pointed to Europe\u2019s failure to fulfill its obligations following the U.S. withdrawal from the deal in 2018 as a significant obstacle, yet expressed hope for renewed dialogue over further sanctions.<\/p>\n
Addressing German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock\u2019s call for an investigation into Iran\u2019s handling of domestic unrests in 2022, Araghchi dismissed such inquiries, insisting that external interference only exacerbates tensions. He criticized Baerbock\u2019s push to designate Iran\u2019s Revolution Guards as a terrorist organization, calling sanctions ineffective and harmful.<\/p>\n
In closing, Araghchi called on Germany to reconsider its confrontational stance, suggesting that continued sanctions and diplomatic pressure would only serve to deepen the divide between Iran and Europe. He urged for a renewed emphasis on dialogue and mutual respect, warning that escalation could lead to lasting damage to Iran-Germany relations.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n