Iran seizes Dutch diplomat’s luggage containing Starlink terminals amid smuggling allegations

Iranian authorities have seized the luggage of a high-ranking Dutch diplomat following allegations that he attempted to smuggle Starlink satellite internet terminals and satellite phones into the country, triggering a sharp diplomatic escalation between Tehran and The Hague.

According to reports by Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, later detailed by the Tehran Times, Andre van Wiggen, the Deputy Head of Mission for the Netherlands in Tehran, was intercepted at Imam Khomeini International Airport. The seizure occurred as van Wiggen returned to Iran via a commercial flight following a one-day visit to Dubai. Sources familiar with the matter suggest the hardware was procured during this brief transit.

Upon arrival, van Wiggen reportedly cited diplomatic immunity in a bid to bypass X-ray screening for his baggage. Airport security personnel refused the exemption, subsequently impounding the items. Iranian officials defended the move, asserting that under international aviation security protocols—including ICAO Annex 17—all baggage at civilian airports must undergo inspection to ensure public safety. Authorities further emphasized that diplomatic status does not grant absolute terrestrial immunity in matters perceived to impact national security.

Dutch diplomat abandons luggage and departs country

Security camera footage released from Imam Khomeini International Airport appears to show van Wiggen waiting beside his luggage after being notified of the inspection order. Iranian officials stated they proposed a formal search to be conducted in accordance with international protocol, overseen by representatives from the Dutch Embassy, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, and senior airport management.

However, van Wiggen reportedly opted to leave Iran immediately, abandoning the luggage without waiting for a resolution.

Days later, a second Dutch diplomat reportedly requested the return of the impounded bags. Despite objections from the embassy representative, Iranian authorities proceeded with a formal search conducted under the framework of national and international law. The inspection uncovered two Starlink satellite internet terminals and seven satellite phones. Iranian state media alleged these devices, which are prohibited in the country, are frequently utilized by foreign intelligence agencies for clandestine communication and coordination. Officials underscored that no prior authorization had been sought for the equipment.

WikiLeaks files and alleged Washington connections

Details regarding van Wiggen’s professional history highlight deep regional experience. Having served as Deputy Head of Mission in Tehran from August 2019 to August 2022, he subsequently spent two and a half years as the Head of Political Affairs at the Dutch Embassy in Washington. He had only recently returned to his post in the Iranian capital.

Reports also claim van Wiggen’s name appears in WikiLeaks cables, allegedly identifying him as a figure capable of providing US officials with intelligence regarding Iranian companies and their overseas operations. Sources indicate that van Wiggen has not returned to Tehran since the airport confrontation.

Andre van Wiggen

Netherlands protests leak of surveillance footage

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the seizure of the diplomat’s luggage but reacted sharply to Iran’s decision to broadcast surveillance footage of the incident. In a statement to the broadcaster NOS, the Ministry characterized the leak as a “breach of silence” and labeled the situation “unacceptable.”

The Netherlands has summoned the Iranian Ambassador in The Hague to demand an explanation and the immediate return of the seized property. The Ministry declined to comment on the specific contents of the baggage.

The diplomatic friction arrives as the US intensifies pressure on Tehran, deploying its most significant aerial task force to the region since the invasion of Iraq. Western media outlets have published analyses suggesting a potential military operation could be imminent. Threats from US President Donald Trump toward Tehran have escalated following a wave of violent unrest in early January that resulted in thousands of casualties across Iran.

Iranian authorities previously announced the seizure of numerous Starlink devices from leaders of anti-government groups during those protests. Officials contend that Starlink systems are being funneled into the country via US-backed initiatives to support demonstrators during state-imposed internet blackouts. The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, previously reported that Washington had covertly dispatched 6,000 Starlink terminals to Iran, while The New York Times detailed a decentralized smuggling network composed of activists and engineers.