Iran criticized the United States, accusing Washington of “double standards” after the CIA released a Persian-language video teaching Iranians how to contact the agency. The Iranian Embassy in the Netherlands said the video went beyond normal diplomatic activity and called it “blatant interference” in Iran’s internal affairs. The embassy added that if Iran took similar actions targeting Americans, it would likely spark international outrage. They said this highlights an imbalance in how the two countries apply rules and respect sovereignty.
The CIA video offered tips for secure communication. It suggested using a virtual private network (VPN) to bypass internet restrictions. It also recommended disposable devices that are hard to trace, private web browsers, and deleting internet history. Separately, Iranian authorities discovered satellite equipment in the luggage of a European diplomat at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. The diplomat initially refused inspection, citing diplomatic immunity. He left the suitcase behind before leaving Iran.
When a second diplomat returned, Iranian customs and Foreign Ministry officials inspected the luggage. They found three Starlink modems and seven satellite phones. The authorities confiscated the equipment and denied the diplomat entry. Iran’s embassy said these incidents show the “double standards” of the United States and its allies. Iranian media identified the first diplomat as Andre Van Feichen. He is a security and defense expert with past links to the United States, including providing reports on Iran to US officials, according to WikiLeaks documents.
The Dutch Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s ambassador to protest the confiscation. Tensions between Iran and Western countries have been rising. Tehran emphasized that foreign interference in its domestic affairs will not be tolerated. The incidents also highlight the limits of diplomatic immunity when security concerns are involved. In Tehran, a billboard at Enqelab-e-Eslami Square showed a US aircraft carrier with damaged fighter jets. A sign in Farsi and English read: “If you sow the wind, you’ll reap the whirlwind.” The image reflects Iran’s stance against actions it considers hostile or intrusive.