Germany banned the Hamburg Islamic Centre on Wednesday, citing its alleged support for Lebanon’s Hezbollah and ties to Iran. The Interior Ministry accused the centre of masquerading as a religious organization while pursuing anti-constitutional and extremist Islamist objectives. The centre is said to act as a representative of Iran’s supreme leader and propagates Tehran’s ideology aggressively. In response, Iran summoned Germany’s ambassador, condemning the action as Islamophobic.

The ministry also highlighted the centre’s alleged efforts to replace democracy with theocratic rule and support for groups like Hezbollah. Anti-Semitic activities were also cited, especially following a rise in such incidents amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. Authorities raided 53 properties linked to the centre across Germany, extending the ban to four Shiite mosques associated with it.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser clarified that the action targets Islamist extremists, not the peaceful practice of the Shiite religion, emphasizing that many Muslims in Germany live peacefully according to their faith.