While General Hossein Dehghan—a key first-generation IRGC commander and the current Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC)—remains under heavy U.S. sanctions, reports have surfaced regarding the economic activities of his daughter, Fatemeh (Shima) Dehghan, in Vancouver, Canada.
The Father’s Legacy: From Command to Sanctions
Hossein Dehghan holds an extensive record within Iran’s military elite, having served as the IRGC Air Force Commander, Deputy of the Quds Force, Minister of Defense, and head of the Setad (EIKO). As a top advisor to the Supreme Leader on defense industries, he was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2019. These sanctions strictly prohibit financial transactions and any formal associations with him.
The Daughter’s Ventures in Vancouver
In stark contrast to her father’s military career, Fatemeh Dehghan, operating under the name “Shima” in Canada, has established herself in the educational and arts sector. She is the founder of The Giraffes Art School and manages organizations such as the “Aknoon Children’s Association” and the “Golden Star Children’s Club” in Vancouver. Her business operations, primarily linked to the domain thegiraffes.ca, have sparked significant public debate regarding the source of her investment.
Legal Challenges and Canadian Regulations
Her residency comes at a time when the Canadian government, under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA), has implemented strict bans on the entry and residency of senior Iranian officials and their immediate family members. Critics are now questioning how the daughter of a sanctioned official—who represents a regime ideologically opposed to the West—can maintain a business and residency in Canada. This case once again brings the controversial issue of “Aghazadehs” (children of the elite) living in the West to the forefront of international scrutiny.