TEHRAN – In response to the recent closure of Iranian consulates in major German cities including Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich, the Iranian Embassy in Berlin has announced that all consular services will now be centralized at its facility, starting November 18th.
According to the embassy’s official statement, this decision follows instructions from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who emphasized that other Iranian diplomatic missions throughout Europe will also be extending assistance to the Iranian citizens residing in Germany.
Germany’s closure of Iran’s three consulates last month was prompted by the controversial death of a “German citizen” while in Iran, causing significant unrest among Iranian officials and the expatriate community.
The individual in question, Jamshid Sharmahd, was a prominent figure linked to a devastating 2008 bombing that resulted in the loss of 14 innocent lives; he had been sentenced to death by Iran’s judiciary but tragically passed away in October before facing justice.
Sharmahd, who had led the Tondar terrorist group, was known for frequently appearing on Western media outlets to boast about his violent acts and the killing of civillians.
Germany’s decision to disregard the needs of over 250,000 Iranian citizens living within its borders in favor of supporting Sharmahd has sparked outrage among both Iranian citizens and officials alike. Foreign Minister Araghchi formally urged his German counterpart to cease concealing behind “hypocritical human rights slogans.”
“A German passport does not provide impunity to anyone, let alone a terrorist criminal,” the top diplomat asserted on X, going on to declare, “Your government is an accomplice in the ongoing Israeli genocide. Germany stands as the No#2 supplier of lethal weaponry to Israel in its genocidal campaign in Gaza and the tragic carnage in Lebanon. Look around. Even your own people ridicule your arrogant human rights claims.”
Photo: Iran’s embassy in Berlin
What are the potential effects of centralizing consular services on diplomatic relations between Iran and Germany?
**Interview with Dr. Leila Mohseni, Iranian Foreign Affairs Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Mohseni. In light of the recent closure of Iranian consulates in major German cities, can you explain the implications of centralizing consular services at the Iranian Embassy in Berlin?
**Dr. Mohseni:** Thank you for having me. Centralizing consular services can be seen as a strategic move by the Iranian government to consolidate resources and maintain better control over diplomatic operations in Germany. By centralizing these services at the embassy, they may also aim to streamline their operations amid heightened tensions and ensure that their citizens receive necessary services without interruption.
**Editor:** The closures were announced following instructions from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. What do you think prompted this decision?
**Dr. Mohseni:** The closures likely reflect broader geopolitical dynamics and strained relations between Iran and Germany. There may have been security concerns or diplomatic challenges that led to this decision. By consolidating services, Iran could potentially address these challenges more effectively while also managing its diplomatic presence more efficiently in one location.
**Editor:** What impact do you anticipate this will have on Iranian citizens living in Germany?
**Dr. Mohseni:** For Iranian citizens, this change may have mixed effects. On one hand, having a single point of access can simplify some processes. On the other hand, it may lead to longer wait times and increased demand at the embassy, as citizens from multiple cities will now have to travel to Berlin for consular services. The government needs to ensure that it is prepared to handle this increased demand efficiently.
**Editor:** How do you see this move affecting Iran’s relations with Germany?
**Dr. Mohseni:** This centralization may exacerbate existing tensions in Iran-Germany relations. It sends a message that Iran is adapting to the current challenges but could also be interpreted as a sign of diplomatic isolation. The response from Germany and how they handle Iranian diplomatic relations moving forward will be critical to watch.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Mohseni, for your insights on this important issue.
**Dr. Mohseni:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to stay informed about these developments as they continue to unfold.
