WANA (Oct 29) – Following the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd, leader of the “Thunder” terrorist group and an Iranian-German dual national, Germany’s Foreign Ministry announced it has summoned Iran’s chargé d’affaires in Berlin and recalled its ambassador from Tehran for consultations. Previously, the German Foreign Ministry had condemned the execution, expressing strong disapproval.

 

The German Foreign Ministry confirmed the summons in a post on its official social media account on X, stating, “We have expressed our strong objection to the Iranian government regarding this action and reserve the right to take further measures.”

 

Additionally, the Ministry reported that Germany’s ambassador in Tehran met with Iran’s Foreign Minister earlier today, delivering “the strongest protest” over Sharmahd’s execution. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock subsequently called the ambassador back to Berlin for further consultations.

 

Jamshid Sharmahd, born in 1955 in Iran, was an Iranian-German dual citizen residing in the United States and a leader of the Thunder terrorist organization, also known as the Kingdom Assembly.

 

He was previously active as the spokesperson for the Kingdom Assembly and managed Thunder’s radio and online platforms. He was arrested in August 2020 by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence.

 

According to former Iranian Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi, Sharmahd received “significant support” from U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies. In February 2023, Iran’s Judiciary announced that a preliminary ruling in Sharmahd’s case had sentenced him to death.

 

The Thunder group has reportedly attempted several high-profile attacks in recent years, including plans to destroy the Sivand Dam in Shiraz, detonate cyanide bombs at Tehran’s International Book Fair, and bomb the shrine of Imam Khomeini during public ceremonies.

 

Some of the group’s other alleged activities include an attack on the Russian consulate in Rasht, an attempted bombing at the shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh (PBUH) and the Iranian Parliament, an explosion in front of the residence of the Friday Prayer Leader in Nahavand in 2009, and a bombing at the Seyyed al-Shohada (A) Hosseiniyeh in Shiraz.