The story: A series of sex scandals allegedly involving officials and establishment figures have sparked a severe public backlash in Iran. Beyond outrage over the scandals, some of which were sparked by leaked videos of same-sex intercourse, the incidents have highlighted homophobia in Iranian society and elements of the diaspora. Some observers suggest that the manner in which the controversies have erupted could point to targeted attacks against the establishment.

The coverage: In past weeks, a sex tape purportedly featuring Reza Seqati, head of the Culture and Islamic Guidance Department in the northern Gilan Province, and a younger man has been circulating on Iranian social media. Same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Iran, with punishments ranging from flogging to the death penalty, according to Amnesty International.

• The clip first surfaced on Radio Gilan on July 18, a Telegram account run by a Germany-based journalist.

• The sex tape appears to have led to...