Netherlands releases Iranian national accused of violating US sanctions

Iran confirmed that an Iranian national jailed in the Netherlands over alleged violation of Washington's sanctions against Tehran will return home after the Dutch authorities denied his US extradition.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced on X that Mahdi Kiasati, who was jailed in the Netherlands at the US's request over alleged sanctions violations, will be returning to Iran within hours following the Dutch decision to reject his extradition. No further details were given.

At the same time, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, covering Tehran’s nuclear program and the ongoing territorial dispute over Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb islands between Iran and United Arab Emirates.

"Spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi about developments in the Middle East. Also highlighted Iran’s nuclear program and the window of opportunity for a new nuclear deal," Veldkamp wrote on X.

He also said that the Netherlands supports a peaceful resolution of the islands dispute through bilateral engagement based on international law.

The status of the islands has been a longstanding source of tension between Iran and the UAE. The islands have been under Iranian control since 1971, when Tehran took possession following the withdrawal of British forces from the Persian Gulf.

Iran insists the islands have always been an integral part of its territory, while the UAE claims that they were historically under the jurisdiction of the Qasimi sheikhs and that their claim transferred to the UAE upon its formation in 1971.

The conversation also addressed Iran’s nuclear program, with Veldkamp stressing the “window of opportunity” for a new nuclear deal. The Netherlands, alongside other European nations, has supported efforts to revive negotiations after the Trump administration’s 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and its “maximum pressure” campaign of sanctions against Iran.

Since the US exit, Iran has gradually scaled back its compliance with the JCPOA, enriching uranium beyond agreed limits and restricting international inspections.

The call between Veldkamp and Araghchi comes as European nations continue to emphasize diplomacy amid growing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.

Earlier this month, a German Foreign Office spokesperson reaffirmed that Germany, France, and the UK had held preliminary talks with Iran on its nuclear activities and regional issues. While Washington escalates its "maximum pressure" campaign, European allies remain committed to diplomatic engagement—keeping communication channels open despite Tehran’s hardened stance against negotiations with the US.