Spain, Netherlands summon Iranian ambassadors over protest crackdowns

Spain and the Netherlands officially summoned Iranian ambassadors to protest the violent suppression of demonstrations in Iran.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stressed that Iran must respect the rights of women and men to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, and called for an end to arbitrary arrests, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He also urged Tehran to return to dialogue and negotiation, with particular attention to women’s rights.

Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel stated that the ambassador was summoned due to the excessive use of force against peaceful protesters, demanding that Iran uphold fundamental rights, restore internet access immediately, and hold those responsible accountable.

Protests have swept across Iran since December 28, 2025, starting at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar amid the rial’s sharp depreciation and worsening economic conditions. 

Estimates of deaths in the Iran protests vary, with one source citing at least 12,000 fatalities on January 8 and 9, while HRANA, a US-based human rights organisation, put the number at over 540.

HRANA also stated that at least 10,681 people have been detained in connection with the protests, which took place in 585 locations across 186 cities in all 31 provinces.

By Jeyhun Aghazada