Skip to main content

Iran arrests US-based leader of exile group

Authorities in Tehran say they detained Jamshid Sharmahd, the leader of a California-based opposition group, inside Iran, yet questions remain about his detention.
GettyImages-684502722.jpg

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry claims to have arrested a leader of an armed monarchist group inside Iran, though his family members deny he traveled there.

The Intelligence Ministry statement claims Jamshid Sharmahd was arrested in a “complex operation” inside Iran. Sharmahd is the leader of the Kingdom Assembly of Iran, a California-based monarchist group that seeks to place Reza Pahlavi, the son of Mohammad Reza Pahvali, the last shah of Iran, on the throne. The group is often referred to as Tondar, which means thunder in Persian. 

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.