Iran expels Dutch diplomats in reciprocal move: FM Zarif
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the country has declared two Dutch diplomats persona non grata in reaction to the Netherland’s “illegal” expulsion of two Iranian diplomats on false accusations.
Zarif made the remarks while speaking to reporters on Monday on the same day that Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said his country has recalled its ambassador to Iran for consultations after diplomats at its embassy in Tehran were expelled.
“We expelled two Dutch diplomats in line with the decision, which was communicated to the Foreign Ministry, and in reaction to illegal expulsion of Iranian diplomats [by the Dutch government]. The Netherlands has also summoned its ambassador [to Iran] for consultation,” Zarif said.
The Iranian foreign minister added that expulsion of Iranian diplomats by the Netherlands was illegal, because "the Dutch officials have admitted that their decision to expel the Iranian diplomats was not based on any evidence or document and was merely a politically-motivated move."
He noted that the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking all necessary measures in this regard.
The Dutch foreign minister said in a statement on Monday that the government of the Netherlands "has decided to recall the Dutch ambassador in Tehran for consultations."
Blok added, "This decision follows the announcement by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that two Dutch diplomats at the embassy in Tehran have been declared persona non grata and have to leave the country."
Iran summons the Dutch ambassador to Tehran over a recent attack on its embassy in The Hague.
A spokesperson for the Dutch intelligence service AIVD said on July 7 that the country had expelled two "persons accredited to the Iranian embassy," but refused to provide any further information.
Iran summons the Dutch ambassador over the 'unfriendly' move to expel two Iranian embassy staffers.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi also said on Monday that Iran has told two Dutch diplomats to leave the country after Tehran declared them persona non grata.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek tension in its ties with European countries, but will respond to any move against its national interests with a reciprocal measure in an appropriate time and place," he added.
Iran expects the Dutch officials to reach a proper understanding of the ongoing sensitive regional and international situation and do not to move in line with the whims of ill-wishers and enemies of the two countries' relations, he added.
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