The United States, Canada and eight Latin American and Caribbean nations have jointly accused Iran and its proxy networks of conducting terrorist activities and other destabilising operations across the Western Hemisphere, marking a significant expansion of regional cooperation aimed at countering what participating governments describe as a growing security threat.

The declaration was issued on 5 October following the Countering Transnational Terrorism Forum, which was co-hosted by the United States and Paraguay last month.

According to the US State Department, the forum was convened to strengthen law enforcement cooperation and improve coordination among regional partners in disrupting alleged Iranian-linked terrorist activity.

The governments of the United States, Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago endorsed the joint statement, giving the initiative a broad hemispheric character that extends beyond Washington's traditional security partnerships.

In their declaration, the signatories alleged that Iran and its proxies have been involved in a range of activities across the region, including lethal plotting, illicit fundraising, political interference and foreign influence operations.

The participating governments stated that such activities are intended to strengthen terrorist networks, intimidate perceived opponents, compromise legal and administrative institutions, and undermine regional security.

The countries reaffirmed their commitment to protecting their citizens and territories from what they described as terrorism-related threats and malign influence campaigns.

They also called on Iran and its proxies to immediately cease such activities, whilst pledging to increase coordination and cooperation among their respective security and law enforcement agencies.

Although the declaration contained strong accusations, it did not identify specific incidents, organisations or alleged plots that prompted the collective response.

The signatories nevertheless welcomed efforts already undertaken by governments in the region to counter suspected Iranian-linked activities and indicated that additional measures would be pursued in the future.

The initiative reflects a broader US effort to build a regional coalition focused on confronting alleged Iranian operations beyond the Middle East. Washington has long accused Tehran of supporting armed groups and facilitating activities overseas through Iranian state institutions and affiliated organisations.

The issue has attracted heightened attention in recent years as US officials have repeatedly highlighted concerns regarding Iranian influence networks, fundraising activities and proxy-linked operations in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.

US officials describe expanded intelligence sharing, law enforcement cooperation and cross-border coordination as essential tools for countering transnational threats operating across multiple jurisdictions.

The State Department characterised the latest declaration as part of the Trump administration's wider strategy to strengthen security cooperation throughout the hemisphere and reinforce collective responses to terrorism-related challenges.

By bringing together North American, Latin American and Caribbean partners under a common declaration, Washington has sought to demonstrate a united regional front against what it considers Iranian-backed activities.

Iran, however, has consistently rejected US accusations regarding its international conduct and regional activities. Tehran has repeatedly argued that Washington uses sanctions, diplomatic pressure and military measures to advance its geopolitical objectives against the Islamic Republic.

The latest declaration therefore underscores both the continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran and the growing emphasis being placed by several Western Hemisphere governments on collaborative approaches to counter-terrorism and regional security.

ANI