On the 14th of April, The Hague Institute for Geopolitics held an event “War in Iran – Regional Implications and Geopolitical Impacts” at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

The event featured Emiel de Bont, Dutch Ambassador to Iran, who shared unique insights from his diplomatic experience in Tehran and across the Middle East. He offered a rare perspective on the realities of “civilisational state” Iran and its regime, drawing on many firsthand experiences from his years in international service. 

The evening opened with a speech by Ambassador de Bont, followed by a moderated Q&A led by Michel Don Michaloliákos, with questions drawn from the audience. The discussion brought together students and professionals to discuss diplomacy, strategy, and the human dimension of foreign policy.

One of the key takeaways of the evening: the Netherlands, despite its size, can exercise remarkable diplomatic influence when it engages with the world consistently and seriously, particularly at moments when larger European partners are divided.

HIG extends gratitude to everyone who attended and to The Hague University of Applied Sciences and The Lighthouse, whose support made the event possible.