The story: Ayatollah Mohammad Mohammadi Reyshahri, Iran’s first intelligence minister, has passed away—drawing divided reactions. While conservatives have praised the 75-year-old for his “sacrifices” to consolidate the Islamic Republic, pro-reform voices have slammed him for his role in political purges. Reyshahri was believed to be central to many key political developments in the tumultuous 1980s.

The coverage: Iranian media outlets have not reported the cause of Reyshahri’s Mar. 21 death, only relaying that he had been hospitalized. Many high-ranking officials expressed their sorrow over his passing...