The EU’s decision earlier this year to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation has opened a thorny new question for European governments: what to do about Iranian military attachés serving in EU capitals.

A classified dossier seen by Euractiv alleges that some Iranian military representatives posted across Europe are active IRGC officers operating under diplomatic cover, raising concerns that individuals linked to a sanctioned organisation continue to benefit from diplomatic protections and freedom of movement across the bloc.

The document identifies Mohammad Naghizadeh, Iran’s military attaché in Poland, as an active IRGC member allegedly capable of advancing the organisation’s financial and operational interests in Europe.

The Iranian embassy in Warsaw could not immediately be reached for comment.

The allegations come as European capitals reassess their approach to Tehran following the EU’s decision in January to blacklist the IRGC. Critics argue that allowing military representatives allegedly tied to the Guards to remain accredited risks undermining the bloc’s own counter-terrorism policy.

The dossier recommends sanctions and expulsions targeting Iranian military attachés and diplomats allegedly linked to the IRGC, arguing that such measures would further isolate Tehran and curb the organisation’s international reach.

Earlier this week, Euractiv reported that German intelligence services had warned Iran could intensify operations against targets in Europe once the conflict with Israel and the US subsides.

The report also paints a picture of an Iranian state increasingly dominated by the Revolutionary Guards following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. It describes IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi as the country’s de facto decision-maker and claims the Guards now exert control over Iran’s security apparatus, parliament and strategic negotiations with Washington.

Among its more striking claims, the dossier alleges that the IRGC played the decisive role in elevating Mojtaba Khamenei to the supreme leadership, effectively rendering him dependent on the Guards for political survival.

It further alleges that the IRGC now exercises direct influence over Iran’s foreign policy, including negotiations with the US, Gulf policy and oversight of proxy groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis.

European officials have become increasingly vocal about alleged Iranian intelligence and influence operations on the continent. Several EU countries have accused Tehran in recent years of targeting dissidents, journalists and Jewish institutions in Europe.

The dossier also points to what it describes as a growing wave of defections among Iranian diplomats abroad, claiming some officials stationed in western countries have sought asylum amid fears of instability and possible regime collapse.

EU governments remain divided over how far to escalate pressure on Tehran diplomatically. While some capitals support tougher measures, others fear further confrontation could shut down already fragile diplomatic channels at a moment of heightened regional tension.

Iran has repeatedly denied accusations that it sponsors terrorism in Europe or uses its diplomatic network to curry out covert operations. Tehran has also condemned the EU’s designation of the IRGC as politically motivated and unlawful.

(cz)