Belgian DM defends Iran rally participation after envoy summoned

Belgium’s defense minister defended his participation in the Global Day of Action rally in Munich held in support of nationwide protests in Iran, after Iran summoned the Belgian ambassador in Tehran.

“The fact that our ambassador in Tehran was summoned is not the first time. It is the tried-and-tested tactic of a regime that lives on intimidation, blackmail, and hostage diplomacy,” Defense Minister Theo Francken said in a post on X.

“I spoke in Munich before 250,000 Persians in support of a peaceful and courageous people who have had to live for so many years under the theocratic yoke of the ayatollahs and mullahs,” he added, referring to the rally held following a call by exiled prince Reza Pahlavi.