Will Apple Ever Air ‘Tehran’ Season 3?

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For quite some time now, the covert battle between the intelligence agencies of Iran and Israel has been a captivating tale not only in headlines but also an engrossing show on our TV screens.

The internationally broadcasted series “Tehran,” funded by Apple TV+, has garnered praise for its gripping and realistic portrayal of Mossad agents operating covertly within Iran, aiming to destabilize the government during its first two seasons.

Since Iran launched an attack on Israel through Hamas on October 7, 2023, triggering Israel’s Gaza War and eventually expanding into Lebanon and Iran, a hush has settled over the drama. Although Tehran’s third season was completed by mid-2023, Apple postponed its release multiple times following the attack, including from an April 2024 date, and the show has been absent from global screens since then. However, it was given the go-ahead by Apple for local airing in Israel starting this past December.

The quiet might not last much longer. A reliable source close to the company’s operations has hinted to The Hollywood Reporter that season 3 of Tehran could become accessible in the U.S. and various other regions globally within the next few months, with the ongoing conflict in Gaza being a possible factor for delay.

As a long-time enthusiast, I’d eagerly anticipate what feels like a late yet delightful comeback. It’s been nearly four and a half years since the filming of the season, but every moment of wait will be worth it.

Currently, it appears that the fourth season of the show is set to begin filming in the autumn, according to the source. Director Daniel Syrkin has mentioned his recent exploration of potential shooting locations in Athens, which has been a filming site for previous seasons. Due to the shifting circumstances regarding Iran’s security forces and Israel’s internal dynamics, much of the script for the fourth season had to be revised after October 7.

An Apple spokeswoman did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The unpredictable situation in Tehran underscores the complexity of broadcasting a TV series based on global political events, especially considering that the broadcaster’s influence extends far beyond merely transmitting television programs.

The series “Tehran,” featuring Tamar (Niv Sultan), a Mossad agent who’s deep undercover in Iran and has a tense relationship with IRGC commander Faraz (Shaun Toub), has garnered praise for its mix of suspense and real-world implications. In their review, THR described the 2020 debut season as “immersive,” “thrilling” and “rich with human emotion.” The season won the award for best drama at the International Emmy Awards. In its second season, which premiered in 2022, Glenn Close portrayed Marjan, a cunning longtime Mossad asset operating within Tehran.

Tehran has not only made headlines but predicted them at times. The first season portrayed Israeli aircraft attempting to bomb an Iranian nuclear facility (the final episode was named “Five Hours Until the Bombing Run”). A significant event in the second season revolved around the attempted assassination of a high-ranking Iranian military figure using a remotely-triggered mobile phone, which happened two years before Israel carried out a similar attack on Iran-supported operatives within Hezbollah last fall.

The program has likewise depicted the extensive infiltration of Mossad resources within the IRGC, a fact evident in Israel’s numerous targeted killings of Iranian military commanders throughout the recent Israel-Iran conflict.

In the third installment, we see a continuation of the “real life mirroring art” theme. The focus this time is on Iran’s nuclear program, and Hugh Laurie enters the scene as a South African investigator.

A viewer in Israel, having watched the new episodes, finds that the season, similar to the preceding two, portrays a compassionate stance towards Israeli characters while also revealing the troubling aspects of Mossad. (The initial review by THR pointed out that the series is equally about the emotional toll of espionage as it is about the excitement of infiltration.)

During the third season, the narrative frequently revolves around the complex dance between those overseeing the Iranian nuclear program and international inspectors, while also shining a light on a secretive underground project. Given the recent U.S. strike on the Fordow mountainside site and Israel’s assault on Natanz, this topic takes on increased significance. The viewer notes that the events in the season mirrors real-world news without directly conflicting with it.

As a gaming enthusiast immersed in the world of Tehran, I’ve noticed some voices suggesting it’s just Israeli propaganda. However, many other viewers and I see it differently – it presents the complexities and imperfections on both sides of the Israel-Iran conflict, offering an intriguing portrayal that reflects reality rather than taking a one-sided stance.

Apple has a significant presence in the Middle East, as evidenced by a 10% increase in iPhone 16 sales during the initial quarter of the year. Additionally, they have made substantial investments, exceeding $1 billion, in countries like the UAE and others. Given their extensive commitment to this region, Apple may exercise caution when dealing with topics such as Tehran that could be perceived as sensitive in the area.

It’s not uncommon for entertainment figures collaborating with Apple to find themselves in the crossfire of Apple’s broader business affairs. As per its host, the show “The Problem with Jon Stewart” was terminated by Apple, supposedly because Jon Stewart refused to restrict his coverage on China and Artificial Intelligence, two domains where Apple holds significant interests.

Apple’s stance toward Tehran differs significantly from Netflix’s approach, which has embraced the real-world events reflected in its Israeli-intelligence series, “Fauda.” In March, social media accounts for “Fauda” broadcasted a message that read, “This is not a drill, we repeat: THIS IS NOT A DRILL,” as they announced the commencement of Season 5 production. Clearly, Netflix isn’t promoting cell phones in the same manner.

Apple has shown a readiness to tackle more familiar issues that are closer to their base. Among its top Emmy nominees this season are “Slow Horses,” which revolves around intelligence operatives who have been overlooked in England, and “The Studio,” focusing on the absence of intelligence within Hollywood’s industry.

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2025-07-08 19:55