Western Allies Warn Iran Over Alleged Overseas Assassination and Kidnap Plots

A coalition of 22 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and several European allies, has called on Iran to immediately halt what they described as a pattern of hostile activities targeting individuals and communities beyond its borders. In a joint statement released on Thursday, the countries accused Iranian security agencies of orchestrating attacks, intimidation campaigns, kidnappings, and assassination plots against dissidents, journalists, and members of Jewish and Israeli communities living abroad. The signatories said such actions violate international norms and infringe upon the sovereignty of independent nations. “Attempts to kill, kidnap, harass, intimidate, or otherwise target individuals on our territory undermine national sovereignty and international law,” the statement said. “These actions must cease immediately.” The countries specifically accused elements of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including its intelligence units and the Quds Force, of being involved in what they described as coordinated operations targeting critics of the Iranian government and other individuals abroad. According to the statement, the alleged activities have affected communities across Europe, North America, and Australia. The coalition also linked Iran to a series of incidents claimed by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), a group that has reportedly taken responsibility for attacks on Jewish institutions and individuals in several European countries. Among the incidents cited were assaults on Jewish community members and arson attacks targeting synagogues and community facilities in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

The signatories said they remain committed to protecting their citizens and institutions from foreign interference and security threats. “We stand united in our determination to safeguard our countries and our people against these threats,” the statement added. Australia has been among the countries taking strong measures in response to the alleged activities. Last year, Canberra expelled Iran's ambassador and recalled its own envoy from Tehran following accusations that Iranian authorities were linked to antisemitic attacks within Australia. The incidents included an arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne and the destruction of a kosher café in Sydney. In November, Australia designated the Revolutionary Guards as a state sponsor of terrorism, describing the alleged activities as unprecedented acts of foreign aggression carried out on Australian territory. Iran strongly rejected the accusations and condemned Australia's decision at the time, describing it as unjustified and contrary to international norms. The joint statement was endorsed by 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 declaration marks one of the strongest collective diplomatic responses to date over allegations of Iranian-linked activities beyond the country's borders, highlighting growing international concerns about security, foreign interference, and transnational threats.

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