Iran has summoned the Dutch ambassador in Tehran following a statement in the Dutch security service’s annual report which says Iran is “likely” to be responsible for two attempted murders, one in the Netherlands and one in Spain.
Emiel de Bont was told by Alireza Yousefi, director-general for Western Europe at the Iranian foreign ministry, that the accusations of Iran’s involvement in assassination plots are “baseless and unacceptable,” according to Iranian news agency IRNA.
Yousefi also reportedly called on the Netherlands to end its “comprehensive support for the Israeli regime” and to play a constructive role in developments in West Asia, IRNA said.
On Friday morning, the Iranian embassy in The Hague published a strongly worded statement, describing the claims as “baseless” and “an attempt by certain individuals to portray themselves as being under pressure,” IRNA reported.
The AIVD’s claim marks the first time in years that Dutch authorities have publicly accused another country of orchestrating a targeted attack on Dutch soil, broadcaster NOS said on Thursday.
The Haarlem case involved Iranian activist Siamak Tahmasbi, who discovered two men climbing onto his balcony in the middle of the night. They were in contact via phone with a third individual, who appeared to be directing the operation remotely.
Two of the suspects are known to police through criminal networks and are also wanted in connection with a failed murder attempt in Madrid in late 2023, the AIVD said. That case involved former Spanish politician and vocal Iran critic Alejo Vidal-Quadras.
A similar accusation was last made in 2019, when the Netherlands expelled two Iranian diplomats over the killing of dissidents.
Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.
We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.
Make a donation
