Germany Warns Iranian Diaspora of Possible Retaliation by Tehran
- Jan 28
- 2 min read
German authorities have cautioned members of the Iranian diaspora living in the country about potential reprisals linked to Tehran, citing risks ranging from intimidation to cyber-related threats. The warning came from the Federal Interior Ministry in response to a parliamentary inquiry.
According to the ministry, security agencies regularly receive reports of what is described as transnational repression, actions by foreign governments aimed at monitoring, harassing, or pressuring critics who reside abroad. Iranian state-linked actors are among those of concern.
The government stressed that any form of interference by foreign states or their proxies on German soil is taken seriously and will not be tolerated. Officials noted that the risk is particularly sensitive when it involves refugees and political dissidents who may already be vulnerable.
German security bodies are said to be working closely to counter such threats, coordinating intelligence efforts domestically while aligning diplomatic responses with the Foreign Ministry. Individuals who believe they are being targeted can contact Germany’s domestic intelligence service confidentially, while police authorities are available for urgent cases.
The ministry also disclosed that some individuals have been alerted to the possibility of Iranian-linked cyber attacks. State-level police forces are responsible for assessing individual risks and, where necessary, providing protection.
The warning follows renewed unrest in Iran, where protests that erupted late last year expanded nationwide before being forcefully suppressed by authorities. The developments have heightened concerns about Tehran extending pressure beyond its borders.
Green Party lawmaker Marcel Emmerich, who raised the issue in parliament, said existing measures fall short. He called for dedicated contact points for affected individuals and a tougher political stance against foreign repression within Germany.
Berlin added that it continues to advocate within the European Union for the designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization, though discussions among EU members are still ongoing.
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