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European governments face pressure to act against Iranian military attaches accused of operating under diplomatic cover
European governments are facing pressure to act against Iranian military attaches, accused of operating under diplomatic cover.
The European Union's decision earlier this year to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organization has raised a tricky issue for European governments: what to do with Iranian military attaches serving in EU capitals.
A confidential file, seen by Euractiv, alleges that several Iranian military representatives stationed in Europe are active IRGC officers operating under diplomatic cover. This has raised concerns that individuals affiliated with a sanctioned organization continue to benefit from diplomatic protection and freedom of movement across the European bloc.
The document identifies Mohammad Naghizadeh, Iran's military attaché to Poland, as an active member of the IRGC who is suspected of being able to advance the organization's financial and operational interests in Europe. The Iranian embassy in Warsaw was not immediately available for comment.
The claims come as European capitals are reviewing their approach to Tehran following the EU's decision in January to blacklist the IRGC. Critics argue that allowing military representatives linked to the Revolutionary Guard to remain accredited risks undermining the EU's own counter-terrorism policy.
The dossier recommends imposing sanctions and expelling Iranian military attaches and diplomats linked to the IRGC, arguing that such measures would further isolate Tehran and limit the organization's international reach.
Earlier this week, Euractiv reported that German intelligence services had warned that Iran could intensify operations against targets in Europe once the conflict with Israel and the United States eases.
The report also paints a picture of an Iranian state increasingly dominated by the Revolutionary Guards following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. According to the document, IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi is now considered the country's de facto decision-maker, while the Guards have taken control of the security apparatus, parliament and strategic negotiations with Washington.
Among the strongest claims of the dossier is that the IRGC played a crucial role in the elevation of Mojtaba Khamenei to the position of supreme leader, making him politically dependent on the Revolutionary Guard for his survival.
The document further claims that the IRGC now exerts direct influence over Iranian foreign policy, including negotiations with the US, policy towards Gulf countries, and oversight of allied groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis.
European officials have become increasingly vocal about suspected Iranian intelligence and influence operations on the continent. Several EU countries have accused Tehran in recent years of targeting dissidents, journalists and Jewish institutions in Europe.
The dossier also mentions what it describes as a growing wave of defections among Iranian diplomats abroad, claiming that some officials stationed in Western states have sought asylum due to fears of instability and the possibility of regime collapse.
EU governments remain divided on how to escalate diplomatic pressure on Tehran. While some capitals support tougher measures, others fear that further confrontation could close already fragile diplomatic channels at a time of high regional tensions.
Iran has consistently denied accusations that it sponsors terrorism in Europe or uses its diplomatic network to conduct covert operations. Tehran has also condemned the EU's decision to designate the IRGC a terrorist organization, calling it politically motivated and illegal. /Adapted from Pamphlet /
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