Widespread User Reactions to Video Allegedly Featuring the Shamkhani Family

According to Saed News’ political service, reformist political activist Saeed Shariati commented: “The point is that in a country where security agencies consider the broadcasting of private videos and confessions of defendants one of their main tools, the voices condemning the release of a private wedding video of the daughter of the former secretary of the Supreme National Security Council go unheard. Yes, Mr. Shamkhani, you yourself are responsible for this ugly situation. There was a time you could have prevented such acts in national media, but you didn’t.”

Rooidad24 reported: “The release of the wedding video of Ali Shamkhani’s daughter has reignited discussions about the extravagance of officials and the country’s class divide. The ceremony took place at the luxurious Espinas Palace Hotel, costing several billion tomans, featuring elements reminiscent of Western weddings. Currently, the cost of dinner per guest at this hotel ranges from approximately 3.8 million to 5 million tomans. The most basic ceremonial menu includes over 25 types of dishes, desserts, and appetizers, while more expensive menus can feature up to 40 items. The wedding’s photography and videography team was also chosen from the country’s most expensive studios. ‘Zebra Studio,’ reportedly responsible for the event, has previously worked with celebrities such as actor Mohammad Reza Golzar and wrestling champion Hassan Yazdani.”

The conservative Mehr News Agency, in an article titled “From Immorality and Hostility to Carelessness and Wasteful Spending: A Different Look at Ali Shamkhani’s Daughter’s Wedding Clip”, wrote: “Why a wedding video from a year and a half ago has suddenly dominated social media for the past two days raises questions. Both the publishers and the reactors to this video, like readers of outdated newspapers, have been used as pieces in a political game. For those unfamiliar with Shamkhani’s background, the viral headlines might suggest a careless young politician caused the video to leak. But for those who know his history, calling the video’s release ‘carelessness’ seems odd. The purpose here is not to map out the political chessboard behind this incident, but to explain to the audience that not every viral content is shared with good intentions—even after a year and a half—and to remind officials to remain mindful of their actions and those of their associates, so they don’t inadvertently impose costs on the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Daneshjoo News also commented: “The release of Ali Shamkhani’s daughter’s wedding video illustrates everything from privacy violations to exposing truths that the public cannot easily overlook. Family matters are private, but high-ranking officials must be accountable. When such events occur, people naturally ask how officials, who advocate for the observance of privacy and modesty, fail to maintain these standards in their own surroundings. In this case, Mr. Shamkhani—or any other official—must answer for the contradictions exposed in public perception.”