The Italian news website Linkiesta has reported that the Iranian regime has established a shadowy and complex network in Italy, using cultural diplomacy, religious centers, academic partnerships, ideological propaganda, and digital operations to monitor dissidents and expand its influence.
In an investigative report published on Monday, July 7, Linkiesta wrote that multiple accounts have surfaced of threats, surveillance, and pursuit of Iranian regime opponents in Rome, Milan, and other Italian cities.
The report quotes an Iranian woman opposed to the regime saying: “After the protests, I was followed, my phone stopped working, and my family in Iran was threatened.”
Another dissident activist reported a suspicious break-in at his home and the disappearance of USB drives. He added that during a protest, an agent from the Iranian regime’s embassy threatened him by saying, “We’re watching you. Your family in Iran will shed tears.”
According to informed sources cited by Linkiesta, a unit of 15 to 20 individuals operates inside the Iranian regime’s embassy in Rome. This team is involved in cyber monitoring, field surveillance, and reporting directly to Tehran, in coordination with the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC.
Tehran reportedly uses its foreign diplomatic missions to covertly monitor dissidents and fund influence operations under the guise of cultural initiatives.
Tehran’s Influence Through Academic and Cultural Institutions
Linkiesta further wrote that, according to reviewed documents, the Iranian regime has invested over €1 million in joint academic projects with Italian universities in recent years.
According to the report, partnerships have been established between Iranian universities—including Allameh Tabataba’i, Beheshti, and Imam Khomeini Universities—and Italian institutions such as Sapienza University of Rome, as well as universities in Florence, Bologna, Turin, and the Polytechnic University of Milan.
Italian Media Reveals Scope of Iranian Regime’s Espionage and Propaganda Network in Italy
The Italian news website Linkiesta has reported that the Iranian regime has established a shadowy and complex network in Italy, using cultural diplomacy, religious centers, academic partnerships, ideological propaganda, and digital operations to monitor dissidents and expand its influence.
