Twenty-two countries, including the US and European nations, have condemned what they called “lethal plots” and “malign actions” carried out by Iranian security services in Europe, North America and Australia. In a joint statement released by the US State Department on Wednesday, the countries accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps-Intelligence Organization, Quds Force and Ministry of Intelligence and Security, of operating beyond Iranian borders, engaging in plots against Iranian dissidents, journalists and Jewish and Israeli communities and interests. “We stand united in our determination to protect our countries and our people against these threats. The Islamic Republic of Iran must halt these actions now,” the statement read. It noted that the relationship between Iranian security services and international and local criminal groups is long standing and their use of these groups is deplorable. The 22 countries also condemned the recent campaign of attacks across Europe targeting Jewish communities, Iranian journalists and US interests, claimed by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI) and supported by their intermediaries. “Attempts to kill, kidnap, harass, intimidate, or otherwise attack people on our soil, undermines national sovereignty and international norms,” the countries said, adding that these actions must stop immediately. “We commend the work of countries to counter these activities, and we are together resolved to undertake further measures to halt them,” the statement read. The signatories include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and European countries, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania and North Macedonia.
