Dutch minister summons Iranian ambassador over deadly crackdown on protesters

Caretaker Foreign Minister David van Weel has called in the Iranian ambassador to protest the regime’s violent crackdown on demonstrators, he announced on X. Van Weel stated that he is "deeply shocked" by the events.

The current wave of protests in Iran began on December 28, 2025, initially in response to hyperinflation and currency devaluation, but quickly evolved into a broader movement challenging the entire regime, with violent clashes reported in at least all 31 provinces.

An Iranian official says that 2,000 people have died in the protests, including both civilians and government workers. The Iranian authorities blame the fatalities on "terrorists." On Monday, Prime Minister Dick Schoof tweeted: “The Iranian regime is crushing every form of protest with brutal force, causing many deaths. The courageous men and women protesting in Iranian cities have our full support.”

In a statement, the minister said he would formally complain to the ambassador about “the excessive violence against peaceful demonstrators, widespread arbitrary arrests, and internet blackouts.” He added: “Iran must respect basic human rights, restore internet access immediately, and hold those responsible to account.”

Van Weel had already expressed his firm condemnation of the violence against peaceful demonstrators earlier this week. He urged the EU to impose sanctions on those who violate human rights and called for the Revolutionary Guard to be designated as a terrorist organization in Europe.

Several dozen protesters have gathered at the Iranian embassy on the Duinweg in The Hague to show support for the Iranian people and condemn the regime’s violent suppression. This comes a day after approximately 5,000 demonstrators assembled at Kalvermarkt near the Spui, waving Iranian flags and pictures of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran and son of the last Shah, while calling for “regime change.” They then carried out an impromptu march through Amsterdam’s city center.

HRANA, the Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran, reports that over 10,600 people have been detained since the outbreak of violence, while the Iranian authorities have imposed a total internet and phone shutdown to limit media coverage.

The Dutch protest is part of a broader EU response. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has voiced support for the demonstrators, while Iran has summoned multiple European ambassadors to challenge their statements of solidarity.