US Israel Iran War Latest News: As tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate, 22 countries, including the US and several Western allies, have jointly urged Iran to immediately stop alleged attacks carried out outside its borders using criminal networks.
In a joint statement, the countries accused Iran’s security agencies of relying on international and local criminal groups to conduct operations across Europe, North America, and Australia. They strongly condemned what they described as the deplorable use of such networks for cross-border activities.
According to AFP, the statement said, Attempts to kill, kidnap, harass, intimidate, or otherwise attack people on our soil, undermines national sovereignty and international norms. These actions must stop immediately,”
US Israel Iran War Latest News: IRGC and Quds Force Named in Allegations
As per reports, the statement specifically referred to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence units and its external operations wing, the Quds Force. These units were accused of planning and carrying out operations targeting Iranian dissidents, journalists, as well as Jewish and Israeli communities and interests abroad. The 22 nations said such actions violate international law and undermine the sovereignty of other countries.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Full List of Countries That Signed Joint Statement
The countries that signed the joint statement are Albania, Australia, Belgium, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and the United States.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Further Allegations Linked to Iran-Associated Groups
The countries also alleged that Iran has been linked to coordinated attacks in Europe targeting Jewish communities and journalists, including Iranian and US media personnel.
The statement referenced groups such as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), which has been associated in reports with some of these incidents.
The group, whose name translates to The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand, has reportedly claimed responsibility for attacks against Jewish communities in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
According to reports, HAYI has said it carried out the stabbing of two Jewish men and multiple arson attacks on synagogues and community centres in north London in recent months.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Middle East Situation Remains Highly Volatile
The broader Middle East situation has further deteriorated after a fragile two-month ceasefire collapsed on Wednesday, leading to renewed fighting between Iran and the United States.
On the second consecutive day of retaliatory strikes, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces targeted Iranian surveillance, communication, and air defence systems.
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced what they described as a “punitive operation” targeting a US base in Jordan. Several Gulf countries also reported incoming fire, according to AFP.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Diplomatic Efforts Continue To Prevent War
Despite the escalation, mediators Pakistan and Qatar said that backchannel diplomatic efforts are still ongoing to prevent further escalation. However, Pakistan cautioned that it was “hard to be an optimist” given the worsening situation. The strikes reportedly took place while a Qatari delegation was in Tehran. A diplomatic source said the talks were “conducted in coordination with the United States.”
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Trump’s Remarks and US Military Response
US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly said a nuclear deal with Iran was close, said on Wednesday that Iran keeps “playing us for suckers” and would now “have to pay the price.”
Shortly after his remarks, CENTCOM said US forces launched fresh strikes early Thursday in response to Iran’s “unwarranted and continued aggression,” and later confirmed the operation had been completed.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Escalation Continues Despite Diplomacy Efforts
While diplomatic channels remain open through regional mediators, continued military exchanges between the US and Iran, along with broader regional tensions, have raised concerns about further escalation and instability across multiple regions.
