Netherlands' General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) accuses Iranian regime of orchestrating two assassination attempts on European soil — one in Netherlands and another in Spain

The findings, published in the AIVD’s 2024 annual report on 24 April, prompted the Dutch Foreign Ministry to summon the Iranian regime’s ambassador.

According to the report, Tehran is “likely” behind a failed assassination attempt in Haarlem in June 2024, targeting an exiled Iranian activist. Two men were arrested at the scene while allegedly attempting to carry out the operation under the remote guidance of a third, unidentified suspect. One of the two detainees is also suspected of involvement in a previous attempted assassination in Madrid in November 2023.

That attack targeted Dr Alejo Vidal-Quadras, a former Vice-President of the European Parliament and longstanding critic of the Iranian regime. 

In response to the revelations, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp summoned the Iranian ambassador. Reuters reported that the Netherlands is seeking further clarification and urging stronger protection for dissidents targeted abroad.

The incident has renewed calls across Europe to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation and to expel Iranian intelligence operatives from EU territory, echoing a 1997 European Council position.

While the Dutch intelligence findings may not immediately trigger legal proceedings, the incident marks a shift in Dutch intelligence policy, moving away from years of official silence. Between 2015 and 2017, Iranian-linked assassinations on Dutch soil were largely kept under wraps by both the intelligence service and the Foreign Ministry, leading to frustration among members of parliament and the Iranian diaspora.

Now, Dutch authorities are following the example of British and Swedish intelligence services, which in the past year have publicly attributed multiple crimes to the Iranian regime. A spokesperson for the AIVD stated: “Where necessary, we will say who is behind it—not because we expect it to stop, but to show publicly that we understand what’s happening.”

As investigations continue, European lawmakers and activists warn that the Iranian regime’s reach continues to extend far beyond its borders—and must be met with unified international resolve.

More information

Annual Report of Dutch intelligence service AIVD

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