WANA ( Feb 26) – Iran Lodges Formal Protest to Netherlands Over Alleged Smuggling of Prohibited Items by Dutch Diplomat
The Islamic Republic of Iran has formally lodged a strong protest with the Netherlands following what it described as an “illegal act” by a Dutch diplomat attempting to bring prohibited items into the country.
According to Iranian state media, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Dutch Ambassador to Tehran, Emile Frederik Dupont, to convey Tehran’s official objection. The move came after a shipment linked to a Dutch diplomat was seized by Iranian authorities. Officials stated that the confiscated cargo contained items whose importation and use are banned under Iranian law.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the inspection and seizure were conducted in accordance with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, specifically citing Article 36(2), which under certain circumstances allows for the inspection of diplomatic shipments. The ministry emphasized that all relevant protocols were observed throughout the process.
In its statement, Tehran also referred to Article 41 of the Vienna Convention, which stipulates that individuals enjoying diplomatic privileges and immunities are obliged to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state and refrain from interfering in its internal affairs. Iranian authorities stressed the importance of Dutch diplomats fully adhering to domestic laws and international obligations.
The Dutch ambassador was requested to promptly convey Iran’s protest and the necessity of complying with international diplomatic rules and local laws to his government.
WANA (Feb 25) – The government of Netherlands has summoned the ambassador of Iran in The Hague, signaling a diplomatic dispute over luggage seized at Tehran’s main international airport. In a statement released Tuesday, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that on January 28, 2026, a Dutch diplomat was compelled to surrender his […]
