Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, the Iranian regime has directed significant resources toward suppressing its critics and opponents, particularly those residing in Western countries. Over the past 45 years, the regime has systematically employed various tactics—ranging from intimidation to outright violence—against dissidents abroad. Its strategy has evolved over time, adapting to changes in the global political landscape and the growing opposition within the Iranian diaspora.
Shifting Strategies: A Response to Growing Opposition
In the years following the 1979 revolution, a significant wave of Iranian migration to the West occurred, spurred by political repression and the regime’s increasingly hardline policies. Many of these exiles became vocal critics of the regime, leading to the formation of a robust opposition abroad. Faced with this growing external dissent, the Iranian government’s foreign policy and security apparatus shifted its focus to controlling and neutralizing these critics.
Initially, the regime relied heavily on violence to silence its opponents. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, assassinations, kidnappings, and hostage-taking were common tactics. Iranian security agents, in collaboration with foreign terrorists and criminal organizations, targeted opposition figures in Europe and North America. Diplomatic missions, companies, and covert religious groups were often used as fronts for organizing these terror operations.
A Web of Terror: Assassinations and Kidnappings
The regime’s history of extraterritorial violence is well-documented. Over the years, numerous Iranian dissidents have fallen victim to assassination plots, abductions, and other forms of intimidation. These actions have strained Iran’s relations with several Western nations, leading to diplomatic crises and, in some cases, the severing of ties altogether.
One of the most recent examples of this malign activity occurred in May 2024 when French authorities arrested a couple suspected of plotting terrorist attacks on Jews in Germany and France. The case, dubbed “Marco Polo,” was seen as a resurgence of Iranian state-sponsored terrorism in Europe. According to France’s General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI), the couple was allegedly working on behalf of Iranian intelligence to sow fear among civilians, particularly targeting the regime’s political opponents and Jewish communities.
In another chilling development, the Iranian regime attempted to assassinate Alejo Vidal-Quadras, the former president of Spain’s Popular Party (PP) in Catalonia and a founder of the far-right Vox party. The attack, which took place on November 9, 2023, was linked to Vidal-Quadras’ outspoken support for Iran’s opposition, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). Spanish authorities later confirmed that the three individuals arrested in connection with the plot had ties to the Iranian regime.
These incidents highlight the ongoing threat posed by the Iranian regime’s terror network, which continues to target individuals beyond its borders.
Propaganda, Espionage, and Covert Operations
While violent repression remains a hallmark of Iran’s foreign policy, the regime has also invested heavily in propaganda and espionage. Since the mid-1980s, Iran has established a network of religious, media, economic, and political institutions in the West, designed to spread false information, distort events, and lobby for pro-regime policies. These organizations often operate under the guise of Islamic centers, academic groups, or covert economic companies, making their true objectives harder to detect.
One notable example of this strategy came to light in July 2023 when the German government shut down the Blue Mosque in Hamburg. The mosque, operated by the Islamic Centre of Hamburg (ICH), was accused of promoting a “totalitarian ideology” and supporting the terrorist organization Hezbollah. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the ICH for its aggressive antisemitism and efforts to undermine Germany’s democratic values.
Iran’s web of influence in the West serves multiple purposes. It not only spreads disinformation and lobbies for the regime’s interests but also works to contain and undermine opposition movements. Iranian activists abroad have reported being subjected to threats, harassment, and attempts to discredit them through smear campaigns orchestrated by pro-regime elements.
A New Era of Repression: The 2022 Uprising and Beyond
The 2022 popular uprising in Iran marked a turning point in the regime’s approach to dissent. The protests, which attracted global attention, saw hundreds of thousands of Iranian citizens—both inside and outside the country—demanding political change. In the West, Iranian immigrants took to the streets, calling for the overthrow of the regime, the end of international relations with Tehran, and the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
The scale of opposition caught the regime off guard, as its traditional methods of silencing critics—through terror and intimidation—proved insufficient. In response, the regime’s foreign minister publicly acknowledged the need to “immediately stop” the protests abroad, signaling a shift in strategy. This new approach appears to involve a combination of espionage, propaganda, and covert operations aimed at preventing the formation of a unified opposition abroad.
The Future of Iran’s Malign Activities
As the Iranian regime continues to evolve its tactics, Western nations must remain vigilant. Evidence suggests that the regime’s espionage efforts are expanding, with a renewed focus on monitoring and suppressing Iranian dissidents in the diaspora. In addition, the regime’s extensive network of lobbying groups and media influencers remains active, working to shape public opinion and sway political decisions in favor of Tehran’s interests.
Despite these efforts, one thing is clear: as long as Western governments maintain a policy of appeasement toward Tehran, the regime will continue to expand its malign activities abroad. The release of Assadollah Assadi, an Iranian diplomat convicted of plotting a bomb attack in Europe, by the Belgian government, and the freeing of Hamid Noury, one of the perpetrators of the 1988 massacre, serve as stark reminders of the dangers of granting concessions to the regime. These actions embolden Tehran, encouraging it to escalate its aggressive behavior and terrorism.
Conclusion
The Iranian regime’s long-standing commitment to suppressing dissent abroad shows no signs of abating. Its tactics may have evolved, but the goal remains the same: to silence critics, prevent the growth of opposition movements, and maintain its grip on power. Western nations must take a firm stand against Iran’s terror network and malign activities, recognizing that appeasement only emboldens the regime to act with greater impunity. The international community must hold Tehran accountable for its actions and support those who seek a free and democratic Iran.
Source » irannewsupdate