Iran

Government policy targeting Jews: after the June 2025 war with Israel, authorities detained Jews and questioned them about ties to Israel; espionage charges were later dropped for most. Official speech targeting Jews: in a speech at the Imam Reza shrine on 21 March 2014, the Supreme Leader said no one in Europe dares to speak about the Holocaust, "of which it is not known whether its essence is real or not".

Last reviewed 26 Oct 2026

1. 2025-07-02
   Jewish MP on detained Jews
   In an interview with the government daily Iran, the Jewish community's MP confirmed that Jews were detained after the June 2025 war and said releases were under way. Rights group HRANA put the number detained at about 35 and said they were questioned about ties to Israel. The MP later said espionage charges against the Tehran detainees had been dropped; five people remained held in July 2025.
   Source: Iran newspaper (government daily)
2. 2014-03-21
   Supreme Leader questions the Holocaust
   In a Nowruz speech in Mashhad, Ayatollah Khamenei said no one in Europe dares to speak about the Holocaust, "of which it is not known whether its essence is real or not".
   Source: Office of the Supreme Leader, speech of 1 Farvardin 1393