Sweden accuses Iran's IRGC of hacking text service to incite against Quran burnings
Swedish authorities said on Tuesday that Iran hacked a messaging service last year, sending thousands of messages urging Swedes to retaliate against Quran burners.
Swedish authorities said on Tuesday that Iran hacked a messaging service last year, sending thousands of messages urging Swedes to retaliate against Quran burners.
Pezeshkian said, "We are prepared to give up all our weapons, provided Israel also disarms, and an international organization steps in to ensure security in the region. We don't even need them—we know how to secure our own safety."
Pezeshkian who spoke at length about Israel being the main culprit in the region, attacking others and seeking war, also briefly mentioned the war in Ukraine. He denied recent accusations that Iran has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, he did not mention Iran’s delivery of around 8,000 Shahed suicide drones to Russia since mid-2022.
Just before his trip to New York to attend the UN General Assembly, Pezeshkian had said that one his goals during the visit was to improve the image of the Islamic Republic in the world.
In the meeting with reporters the Iranian president stated, "A terrorist is a terrorist, whether Arab, non-Arab, or Persian, whether it's Israel, the US, or Iran. If they commit terrorism, they are a terrorist. But it’s not acceptable to call one side’s actions self-defense while labeling the other a terrorist for the same actions." During the hour-long event, Pezeshkian focused on portraying Israel as engaged in one-sided aggression. “We want to live in peace, we don’t want war. It’s Israel that is seeking to provoke a full-scale conflict."
Addressing the media representatives present at the meeting, Pezeshkian said, "This is the essence of our message, and you can publish it however you wish. Help us find a way not to go to war. Let’s resolve what can be solved through dialogue, not with missiles and weapons."
He added, "Help bring peace and security to the world. We are ready. We don’t want war. We have no desire for any country’s land, nor are we seeking to cause disruption anywhere."
Pezeshkian clarified, "This doesn’t mean there aren’t some Iranians who may be involved in certain actions in some places. It’s possible, just as it’s possible for people in our own country to rise up and do certain things. But to say that ‘we’ are behind these actions—this isn’t true. There are individuals who don’t adhere to the framework and act independently. Don’t attribute their actions to us."
However, throughout four decades of its existence the Islamic Republic leaders have often threatened regional countries for not siding with Tehran in its campaign against Israel and the United States, while calling for destruction of the Jewish state,
Pezeshkian also declared, "We speak truthfully. I’m not skilled in politics and deception. That’s why I want people to speak honestly and tell the truth, so we don’t feel deceived later. We don’t deceive anyone." He added, "By God, we are human too, and we are not warmongers."
However, hours after Pezeshkian’s remarks were published, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, issued a statement saying, "I reject the reports by some media outlets claiming that Masoud Pezeshkian said the Islamic Republic is ready to de-escalate with Israel. Mr. Pezeshkian never made such remarks."
Araghchi also told Tasnim News, affiliated with the IRGC, "Contrary to what has been reported, Dr. Pezeshkian strongly condemned the crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza and its aggression against Lebanon during a meeting this morning in New York with some American media executives. He stressed that these crimes are in violation of all human and international standards and must be stopped."
He added, "He clearly stated that these crimes, including the assassination of martyr Haniyeh in Tehran, will not go unanswered, and the response will be delivered in due time."
Pezeshkian also condemned Israel’s operations in Gaza and Lebanon on Monday, accusing Israel of setting a trap to drag the Islamic Republic into a full-scale war. He reiterated that Iran does not seek war but wants peace and security in the region.
On Monday, in separate meetings and statements, Pezeshkian accused Israel of trying to provoke the Islamic Republic into war, while also affirming Iran’s resolve to avenge the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
Pezeshkian, addressing the delay in what the Islamic Republic calls its "harsh response" to avenge the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the former head of Hamas' political bureau, pointed to Iran's consultations with Western countries. He remarked, "We were told a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas would be reached within a week, but that week never arrived. Instead, Israel has continued to escalate its attacks."
Araghchi further emphasized, "The Islamic Republic will certainly not remain indifferent to the recent Zionist regime's aggression against Lebanon and will fully defend and support Lebanon."
However, Tasnim News highlighted Pezeshkian’s emphasis on the need to end Israel’s military operations and establish peace and security in its reports on his Monday meetings with leaders from several countries.
Disregarding repeated accusations from Western countries that the Islamic Republic supports terrorism and violates international law and treaties, Pezeshkian stated, "We believe global peace and security can only be achieved if all nations respect international treaties and, regardless of power dynamics, stand united against any country committing acts of aggression."
According to Tasnim, in a meeting with Viola Amherd, the President of Switzerland, Masoud Pezeshkian stated, "In our foreign policy, we seek to establish stability, security, and peace in the region, while the Zionist regime is striving to incite war and create instability."
On Monday, Pezeshkian also met with the President of the European Council and the President of Turkey.
According to Iranian media, he is also scheduled to meet with King Abdullah II of Jordan and French President Emmanuel Macron. The Gaza war and the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel are expected to be the main topics of Pezeshkian's discussions in New York.
Masoud Pezeshkian's trip to the United States has sparked significant criticism on social media. Reports indicate that contrary to initial news, he traveled to New York with a 40-member delegation, including his two sons, daughter, and son-in-law.
The group also includes three key figures from the Islamic Republic's 2015 nuclear negotiation team: former Foreign Minister and current deputy to Pezeshkian, Mohammad Javad Zarif; Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi; and Araghchi's deputy, Majid Takht-Ravanchi.
However, it appears unlikely that any meetings will take place between officials of the Islamic Republic and the US government during this trip.
Media outlets affiliated with the Islamic Republic quoted Abbas Araghchi as stating that he will not meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken or any Biden administration officials, as he said such a meeting is "not advisable."
In an interview with centrist Ham Mihan daily which was widely carried by other Iranian media, Ahmad Zeidabadi said "What Pezeshkian is doing is like competing in a speech contest while his mouth is kept shut!"
He pointed out that while Masoud Pezeshkian was holding a news conference in Tehran earlier this month, the state TV was conducting a poll showing negative attitudes toward the President and his cabinet.
Zeidabadi noted that official state media is not supposed to oppose the government's policies, pointing to the hardline rhetoric of state TV, which is intended as a public relations tool for the administration. Despite the challenging media landscape in Iran, Zeidabadi argued that the role of scrutinizing the government's performance should fall to independent media.
He also criticized the state TV's monopoly on broadcasting in Iran. "The presidential administration does not have an exclusive media platform of its own and at the same time it is being targeted by sinister propaganda from the most important state-owned media outlet," the journalist observed.
Iran’s state TV is indirectly controlled by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei through high-level appointees. Currently, well-known hardliners control programming at the sprawling organization, which employs around 40,000 people, with a constantly growing budget, while public services and schools suffer from serious financial problems.
Zeidabadi also accused Persian-language media outside Iran, whose popularity he attributed to the inefficiency of Iranian state TV, of aggressively broadcasting anti-government propaganda into the country. "In such an environment, the Pezeshkian administration stands no chance of success," he reiterated.
In fact, organizations such as the BBC Persian Service and Iran International simply play the role of a non-governmental Iranian media, in the absence of press freedom within the country.
Zeidabadi further said, presumably addressing the state TV, that the time for highlighting the problems is over and it is now time to offer solutions. He stressed that if the state TV does not change its approach, Pezeshkian and his cabinet will certainly fail.
In a debate on the YouTube Channel of Free-Thinking School, former deputy Parliament Speaker Mohamad Reza Khatami, a brother of former "reformist" President Mohammad Khatami and conservative Iranian sociologist Parviz Amini held a debate entitled, "Is the national accord government likely to fail?"
In the debate, Mohammad Reza Khatami emphasized that Iran's new generation no longer cares about the actions or statements of former leaders like Rafsanjani and Khatami. He noted that the younger generation sees these figures as part of the government that has ruled for the past 45 years. Khatami argued that if national accord is truly the goal, the government should at least offer meaningful gestures, such as improving internet access and addressing women's issues. He added that if officials want even critics of the government to participate in elections, they must create an environment where voters can expect real change in governance.
He urged the government to recognize the growing disconnect between its views and those of the new generation.
Parviz Amini argued that the composition of Pezeshkian's cabinet is not the key issue, suggesting that national accord isn’t achieved by simply appointing individuals from different groups to government roles. He emphasized the need for a central, cohesive vision, explaining how the administration plans to tackle issues like inequality and energy consumption. Amini stressed that Pezeshkian’s focus should be on social development, addressing poverty and inequality, particularly in education and healthcare.
He further noted that even past presidents with clear ideas and plans failed, warning that Pezeshkian, lacking a concrete plan, could face an even worse fate.
Comments under the video were far less restrained. One user bluntly stated that Pezeshkian is doomed to fail, while another argued that reforming the current system is impossible. A third commenter, rejecting the conservative-reformist divide altogether, warned, "We'll send all of you—reformists and conservatives—straight to hell!"
The decision highlights the persistent role of Mohammad Mokhber in the theocratic system's inner circle following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi - under whom he served as vice president - in a helicopter crash earlier this year.
In his appointment decree, Khamenei said Mokhber's responsibility would be to continue the Raisi’s administration's "prudent policies ... (especially) identifying and utilizing young and elite talents".
The precise scope of Mokhber’s duties as the Supreme Leader’s assistant remains unclear, but his appointment comes as part of efforts by Khamenei to further consolidate control over the executive branch.
Mokhber, a stalwart personal ally of Khamenei, previously managed several large economic entities for over a decade.
Mokhber’s role in COVID-19 response
Mokhber’s career took on a higher profile during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he served as the head of the Execution of Imam Khomeini's Order (EIKO), an organization that oversees vast economic interests in Iran. Under his leadership, EIKO took charge of producing Iran’s domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine, COVIran Barekat and monopolized the import of COVID-19 test kits.
During the pandemic, Mokhber introduced his daughter Tayebeh as the first recipient of the Barekat vaccine, to emphasize its safety. However, the domestic vaccine rollout was widely criticized.
According to official reports, 136,166 Iranians died from COVID-19 between February 2020 and February 2023. A scientific study published after the pandemic concluded that if Iran had not insisted on using the Barekat vaccine and instead used available international vaccines, an estimated 50,000 lives could have been saved.
Although Mokhber left his role at EIKO after the pandemic subsided, his involvement in the state’s pandemic response including the monopoly on test kit imports and the domestic vaccine’s development, may define his legacy.
His transition into the position of Khamenei’s assistant highlights the trust placed in him despite the controversies surrounding his pandemic-era leadership.
Rise to power
Born in 1955 in Dezful, Mokhber hails from a religious family. His father, Abbas Mokhber, was a local preacher and held various roles after the 1979 revolution. In 1995, Mokhber founded an institute in his father’s name which remains under the management of relatives.
Before the revolution, Mokhber was a member of the Mansouroun group, a faction that eventually became part of the Mojahedin of Islamic Revolution Organization. Some have accused the group of involvement in a deadly arson attack on a cinema in Abadan which outraged Iranians in the run-up to the Islamic Revolution.
Mokhber’s rise to power began in the 2000s, when he joined the Foundation for the Oppressed, an economic organization under the control of Khamenei. Working under Mohammad Forouzandeh, another member of the Mansouroun group, Mokhber was involved in the foundation’s commercial and transportation sectors.
His ascent continued with his role in the exclusion of Turkish telecom giant Turkcell from the Irancell project. Mokhber reportedly played a role in convincing the Iranian parliament to replace Turkcell with South Africa’s MTN, positioning himself as a key figure in the economic and political decisions. Shortly afterward, in 2007, Khamenei appointed him as the head of EIKO, an organization with vast financial resources and little transparency.
Mokhber’s economic influence
During his 14-year tenure at EIKO, Mokhber expanded its economic reach, particularly through the Barkat Pharmaceutical Group, a conglomerate of 20 pharmaceutical companies, some of which had been confiscated from private owners.
The Barkat group became central to Iran’s pandemic response, even before the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, as it monopolized the importation of COVID-19 test kits.
Mokhber’s family connections have also come under scrutiny. His son, Sajjad Mokhber, has been named in reports linking him to debts and privileged positions in companies connected to the Pasargad Bank, another entity reportedly tied to EIKO.
Leaked documents in early 2024 implicated Sajjad in oil trading deals, raising questions about the extent of the Mokhber family’s influence in Iran’s economy.
Last year, there were several instances in Sweden where Islam's holy book was publicly burned, triggering widespread outrage across the Muslim world and sparking concerns of potential jihadist attacks.
“The security police can establish that a cyber group acted on behalf of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to carry out an influence campaign,” the Swedish Security Service stated.
“The purpose was, among other things, to paint the image of Sweden as an Islamophobic country and create division in society,” it added.
In a separate statement, the Swedish Prosecution Authority confirmed that its investigation had determined the Iranian state, through the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was responsible for the data breach.
The authority noted that while they had identified the hackers involved, they would not proceed with pressing charges.
“Since the perpetrators are acting for a foreign power, in this case Iran, we assess that the conditions for prosecution abroad or extradition to Sweden are lacking,” the statement read.
Last year, the US State Department named Iran as the world's number one state sponsor of terror.
Following the Quran burnings, Sweden heightened its terrorism alert last year. The desecration led to widespread protests across several Muslim-majority countries, including a large demonstration outside the Swedish embassy in Baghdad. Iran's foreign ministry summoned Sweden’s charge d’affaires in Tehran. Also, Morocco recalled its ambassador in protest. At the same time, Turkey’s foreign minister condemned the incident, stating that it is “unacceptable to allow anti-Islam protests in the name of freedom of expression.”
The US also weighed in on the matter, with the deputy spokesperson for the State Department, Vedant Patel, noting in a briefing that burning religious texts is “disrespectful and hurtful.” He added, “What might be legal is certainly not necessarily appropriate".
In May, Sweden’s domestic security agency revealed that Iran had been planning terror plots in Sweden targeting dissidents and the country's Jewish and Israeli community.
The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the revelations showing Iran was using Swedish crime gangs were being taken "very seriously".
In June, Iran and Sweden exchanged prisoners in a controversial swap. Iran freed Johan Floderus, a Swedish diplomat, and Saeed Azizi, a dual citizen. In return, Sweden released Hamid Nouri, an Iranian official convicted of war crimes for his role in the 1988 mass executions. Human rights groups have strongly criticized the exchange, calling it an act of "hostage-taking" by Iran.
