Iran Demands To Know US Ties With Prisoner Convicted to Death

Iran called on the United States to clarify its association with Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German national sentenced to death in Iran after a State Department official met with his family.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani stated, "The United States government must respond to the Iranian government and people regarding the individual who is recognized and condemned in court for terrorism."

He added that Sharmahd, “responsible for a recognized terrorist group, has committed numerous acts of terrorism against Iran." He specifically alleged that Sharmahd had a role in planning and executing bombings in Shiraz, resulting in deaths and injuries.

Kanaani's remarks followed a meeting between US envoy for Iran, Abram Paley, and the family of Jamshid Sharmahd. Sharmahd, a German Iranian citizen abducted by Iranian agents in Dubai, in 2020, was sentenced to death in Iran in February. He was convicted of leading a pro-monarchist group linked to a deadly 2008 bombing.

Paley succeeded Rob Malley as US envoy for Iran, with Malley placed on unpaid leave due to security protocol violations. Sharmahd's family, including his son and daughter, Gazelle and Shayan, have been actively seeking US officials' attention through sit-in protests outside the State Department to advocate for their father's case.

A controversial deal exchanging five US citizens held hostage by Iran for the release of $6 billion in Iranian funds frozen in South Korea has sparked criticism, especially due to the exclusion of Sharamhd, who hold US permanent residency and another prisoner. Former hostages and analysts argue that the deal could embolden future hostage-taking incidents.

Sharmahd's health has deteriorated during his imprisonment, with human rights organizations expressing concern. He has been held in solitary confinement and denied fair legal proceedings. In February, Iran's judiciary handed down a death sentence.