A coalition of 22 nations, including America, France, Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have come out with a joint statement in which they have demanded from Iran to cease what they referred to as international attacks and intimidation against dissidents, journalists, and Jewish citizens.
This is happening amid rising tension between Iran and the US due to new military engagements in the Middle East.
According to the joint declaration, the countries condemned what they called the "deplorable" use of international and local criminal networks by Iranian security services to conduct operations beyond Iran's borders. The signatories said attempts to kill, kidnap, harass or intimidate individuals on foreign soil violate national sovereignty and international norms.
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Further, the coalition members blamed certain sections associated with Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) for being engaged in anti-Iranian dissidents, journalists, and Jews.
Countries join coordinated warning
The countries that signed the statement include Albania, Australia, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and the United States.
The coordinated move represents one of the broadest international criticisms of Iran's alleged overseas operations in recent years.
The group also accused Iran-linked organisations of being involved in a series of incidents across Europe targeting Jewish institutions and individuals.
Concerns over alleged network of attacks
The statement referred to attacks claimed by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), a group that has reportedly taken responsibility for incidents targeting Jewish communities in the United Kingdom, Belgium and the Netherlands.
According to reports cited by the signatory countries, the group claimed involvement in attacks that included stabbings and acts of arson against community sites and synagogues.
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The accusations emerge against the backdrop of renewed instability in the Middle East, where fighting between Iran and the United States has resumed following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire.
While diplomatic efforts by regional mediators continue, the latest statement signals growing concern among Western nations over what they describe as Iran's activities beyond the region's conflict zones. Iran has not immediately responded to the latest joint declaration.
FAQs
Q1. Which countries signed the statement against Iran?
The statement was signed by 22 countries, including the United States, France, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and several European nations.
Q2. What are the countries accusing Iran of?
The countries allege that Iranian-linked entities have been involved in overseas plots targeting dissidents, journalists and Jewish communities through intimidation, attacks and other hostile activities.