The story: Europe has reacted to Iran's hanging of an Iranian-Swedish dual citizen who previously headed an ethnic Arab separatist group. Habib Farajollah Chaab’s extraterritorial capture and execution may be seen as messaging the Islamic Republic’s readiness to confront exiled dissidents—and its resolve in forcing western concessions.

Importantly, the execution has been followed by Iran’s freeing of two European nationals held on security charges. This may be geared to signal a willingness to finalize stalled prisoner swaps. 

The coverage: Iran on May 6 carried out the execution sentence handed to Chaab, also known as Habib Asyud. Resident in Europe prior to his capture, Chaab previously headed the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz (ASMLA).

• The Iranian-Swedish dual citizen was in 2022 sentenced to death for "corruption on earth" over "numerous bombings and terrorist operations" that Tehran blames on ASMLA. The judiciary says...