Link: https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/524213/Dutch-diplomat-flees-Iran-after-Tehran-airport-seizes-luggage

The diplomat, identified as Andre van Wiggen, deputy head of the Netherlands mission in Tehran, had returned to Iran on a commercial flight after a oneday trip to Dubai. Sources told the Tehran Times that he acquired the prohibited devices during the brief stopover. Airport security detained his luggage after he refused to place it in the mandatory Xray scanner, citing diplomatic immunity.

Under international aviation regulations—particularly ICAO Annex 17, which Iran enforces—security screening applies to all baggage in civilian airports to ensure public safety. Diplomatic status does not grant blanket exemption when national security is at stake.

Inside, inspectors discovered two Starlink satellite modems and seven satellite phones—equipment banned in Iran due to its repeated use by foreign intelligence agencies to conceal communications and coordinate covert activity. Such devices require advance authorization, which had not been sought or granted.