For over two thousand years, a large Jewish community existed in Iran. Only a few thousand Jews are left, but economic ties between Iran and Israel still exist, even though they are illegal. This came to light when German police caught a shipment of Israeli replacement parts for armored vehicles being secretly shipped to Iran. Every few years, this sort of thing happens, and it is assumed that many of the shipments are not caught. Both Israel and Iran deny that this trade exists.

Police have been active arresting young people for listening to pop music at the beach. Police are also raiding brothels and parties, but are increasingly meeting resistance. There have been reports of the police tipping off people about to be raided for such "lifestyle crimes."