The EU hit Iran’s intelligence services with sanctions yesterday after accusing Tehran of being behind plots to assassinate regime opponents on Dutch, Danish and French soil.
The move by the 28-nation bloc was announced as the Dutch government said it believed Iran was behind the murders of two dissidents in 2015 and 2017.
“Very encouraging that (the) EU has just agreed on new targeted sanctions against Iran in response to hostile activities and plots being planned and perpetrated in Europe, including Denmark,” Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said.
“The EU stands united — such actions are unacceptable and must have consequences.”
Sanctions include the freezing of funds and other assets of the Iranian intelligence ministry and individuals.
But Iran’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, pointed the finger at European nations he said were harbouring terrorists. “Accusing Iran does not release Europe from its responsibility for hosting terrorists,” he tweeted.
Denmark led efforts for sanctions after allegations Tehran tried to kill three Iranian dissidents on Danish soil. A manhunt related to the alleged plot against three Iranians suspected of belonging to the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz led to the shutdown of bridges to Sweden, as well as ferries, on September 28.
Read the article in The Australian (AFP).