The coordinated statement, signed by countries including Britain, Germany, France, and Canada, cited multiple recent incidents involving Iranian intelligence operatives or their proxies attempting to harm individuals abroad. While the statement didn’t detail specific cases, it aligns with long-standing Western concerns about Iran’s targeting of dissidents and exiled figures. British officials, for example, recently revealed plots against U.K.-based journalists linked to Iranian state media. German prosecutors also announced the arrest of a suspect allegedly surveilling Jewish targets in Berlin.

Austria, a non-NATO country but host to the UN nuclear watchdog, joined the signatories in condemning Iran’s extraterritorial operations and pledged joint efforts to foil future plots.

Trump Ends Protection For Iran-Targeted US Officials

Despite the persistent threats, the Trump administration earlier this year ended government-funded security protection for several former officials from Trump’s first term—including John Bolton, Mike Pompeo, and Brian Hook—who had reportedly been targeted by Iran. These protections had been maintained through the Biden administration in light of Iran’s alleged plans for retaliation.

The joint NATO statement warned Tehran that further hostile activity would trigger diplomatic and security consequences. It called on Iran to immediately halt “illegal activities in our respective territories,” framing the issue as a matter of national sovereignty and collective defense.