Investigation reveals pro-Iranian influence networks in Belgium

An investigation by the Belgian edition of French-language weekly Paris Match has found that groups with links to Iranian networks are reportedly active in Belgium, with the aim of exerting influence in the country.

The magazine’s investigation refers, among other things, to a controversial memorial ceremony that took place on 18 April in Molenbeek.

This was organised by the Ahl al-Bayt Foundation and held in honour of prominent members of the Iranian regime who had died, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

During the event, which took place behind closed doors, calls were made for financial support for the "resistance front", a group with close ties to Tehran.

An earlier memorial service for Khamenei in early March had been banned by Molenbeek’s mayor, Catherine Moureaux (PS), on security grounds.

According to the investigation, which cross-referenced information from its sources with information from the Iranian opposition, these initiatives form part of a wider network relying on associations, mosques and cultural centres.

The networks are reportedly active in Belgium, particularly in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. These are said to involve various organisations or non-profit associations that, on paper, operate as separate entities but are in fact linked to one another, for example by sharing members and organising activities together.

The network is said to be primarily intended to organise cultural and religious activities, promote political views favourable to the Iranian regime and raise funds. It is also said to serve to monitor opponents of the regime in Tehran and to disseminate the political doctrine of the Iranian authorities in Europe.

The investigation also mentions the Antwerp-based Al-Mustafa Foundation, which is alleged to have organised the pro-Palestinian demonstration on Place du Luxembourg in Brussels on 15 March.

During this event, pro-Palestinian and pro-Iranian demonstrators clashed with supporters of the Iranian opposition. The demonstration took place to mark Al-Quds Day, a day introduced by Ayatollah Khamenei.

According to the magazine’s investigation, the Al-Mustafa Foundation is linked to Al-Mustafa International University, an Iranian institution subject to US financial sanctions due to its alleged role in recruitment and intelligence activities for militias.

Security sources cited in the investigation said that these networks do not currently pose a direct threat, but experts point to activities involving interference and surveillance in Europe.

The investigation also referred to the foiled plot to kidnap MP Darya Safai (N-VA) in 2025. A government investigation into those plans is still ongoing, but the magazine said that this illustrated the danger facing opponents of the Iranian regime, including in Belgium.