22 Nations Jointly Warn Iran Over Alleged 'Deadly Plots' on Foreign Soil

A coalition of 22 countries, including the United States and European nations, issued a stark warning to Iran on Thursday, demanding Tehran cease attacks against individuals within their jurisdictions. The joint action specifically targets the activities of Iran’s security apparatus, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence agency and its overseas operations branch, the Quds Force, which are believed to be involved in “deadly plots and smear campaigns” across Europe, North America, and Australia. “Efforts to kill, kidnap, harass, intimidate, or attack people on our soil undermine national sovereignty and international norms. These actions must stop immediately,” the nations declared in a unified statement. “We are united in our determination to protect our countries and our people from these threats. The Islamic Republic of Iran must cease these actions now.” The countries also accused Iran of orchestrating a campaign of attacks across Europe targeting Jewish communities, Iranian journalists, and US journalists, which were claimed by the Iran-linked group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), meaning the Islamic Righteous People’s Movement. HAYI has reportedly claimed responsibility for the stabbing of two Jewish men and a series of arson attacks on synagogues and community centres in north London over recent months. Meanwhile, Australia expelled the Iranian ambassador last August, accusing Tehran of directing at least two antisemitic attacks, including the arson of a synagogue in Melbourne and a halal café in Sydney. Canberra also recalled its own ambassador and suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran. In November, Australia designated the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism, describing the alleged attacks as a “dangerous and unprecedented act of aggression by a foreign state on Australian territory.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry at the time dismissed Australia’s decision as an “insulting and unjustifiable act” that violated international rules and norms. The detailed statement was issued by Albania, Australia, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and the United States.