DW:

An Iranian intelligence agency spied on German politician Reinhold Robbe for months. In an interview with DW, Robbe says he is convinced that the extent of Iranian espionage in Germany is greater than previously known.

DW: Mr. Robbe, you claim that Iran has spied on Germany more than almost any other country and that it invests heavily in its intelligence apparatus. Why would its intelligence agencies be interested in Germany?

Reinhold Robbe: Firstly, it is because Germany holds a key position in general as the strongest EU economy. But also because Germany maintains excellent relations in all parts of the world. Despite existing embargoes, German's historical situation has led to great relations with the entire Western world and the Arab world. You can see that with Israel. We didn't just today suddenly build a superb and unique relationship with Israel without damaging ties to the Arab world. This special situation does not only lead to the fact that Germany is a respected partner, but also a subject of interest to many different states, even the ones that are not necessarily friends of Germany. We are basically a global political hub, and this hub not only has its good side but also a negative side, because many intelligence agencies are active here. Most of them engage in industrial espionage, but there are states that have set tough political goals.

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