In a joint statement released yesterday, the foreign ministries of 19 countries condemned the escalating number of state threats from Iranian intelligence services operating in their territories.
The joint declaration, which was signed by ambassadors and foreign ministers from Albania, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the US, expressed deep concern over the growing threat posed by Iranian intelligence services to citizens, journalists, and dissidents in Europe and North America.
The statement described these threats as “clear violations of our sovereignty” and emphasized the need for immediate action from the Iranian authorities to put an end to such activities. The countries also acknowledged that the Iranian intelligence services are increasingly collaborating with international criminal organizations to target specific groups, including Jewish citizens and current and former officials.
Key findings highlighted in the statement include:
- The use of state-sponsored assassinations, kidnappings, and harassment tactics against individuals deemed a threat to Iran’s interests.
- The collaboration with international criminal organizations to target journalists, dissidents, and minority groups.
- The lack of accountability from Iranian authorities regarding these activities.
France was at the forefront of the Western Bloc’s response, with the country’s foreign minister stating that “the French government will not tolerate such threats to our citizens and our values.” The declaration also emphasized the need for strengthened cooperation between the 19 countries to prevent such attacks and protect their citizens.
The joint statement concluded by calling on the Iranian authorities to take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure that such activities do not continue in the future. As one country’s foreign minister noted, “the international community will not stand idly by while Iranian intelligence services threaten our sovereignty and our people.”
This coordinated response from the Western Bloc highlights the growing concern over Iran’s activities abroad and the need for greater cooperation to counter these threats. The declaration serves as a strong warning to the Iranian authorities and underscores the commitment of the 19 countries to protect their citizens and values.
The Western Bloc’s united stance against Iranian state threats sends a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated in our territories, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to prevent such attacks in the future.