Germany has summoned the Iranian ambassador, Majid Nili Ahmadabadi, after a Danish national suspected of spying on Jews in Berlin for Iran was arrested. The suspect, identified only as Ali S, allegedly worked for an Iranian intelligence service to collect information on Jewish localities and individuals in Berlin.
According to German authorities, Ali S received an order from an Iranian intelligence service in 2025 to gather information on Jewish targets in the city. He is suspected of photographing buildings, including the headquarters of the German-Israeli Society, which promotes cultural cooperation between Germany and Israel.
The allegations have sparked a strong reaction from the German government, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul saying that Iran poses a threat to Jews worldwide if confirmed. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has condemned the alleged operation as an “outrageous act” aimed at protecting Jewish life.
Ali S is believed to have Afghan roots and is thought to be linked to the Quds Force, an elite branch of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. The Iranian embassy in Berlin has denied the allegations, calling them “unfounded and dangerous accusations”.
The arrest follows a series of incidents targeting Jewish sites in Germany, including the recent Hamas attacks on Israel. Germany has strengthened security measures at Jewish sites nationwide since October 2023.
In September, police shot dead a man armed with a rifle after an exchange of fire near the Israeli consulate in Munich, who was believed to be planning a terrorist attack. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has repeatedly expressed his support for Israel and warned that Iran may target Jewish targets on German soil.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/01/germany-summons-iranian-ambassador-over-alleged-spying-on-jews