The View from Washington: Expulsion of Two Iranian Security Guards from the U.N. Mission in the U.S.

The United States has expelled two Iranian security guards who were assigned to the Iranian mission at the United Nations. They were reportedly photographing important buildings and transportation facilities that could be potential terrorist targets. Adam Ereli, the Deputy Spokesman for the U.S. State Department, stated, "This is not the first time the U.S. has ordered Iranian security guards to leave the country. This is the third time the United States has requested the expulsion of Iranian security guards due to such activities that contradict their official duties. What happened in the latest incident was that FBI agents observed the Iranian security guards filming various sensitive locations in New York. We have repeatedly informed the Iranian mission of our concerns regarding such activities. We did this in the latest incident as well, yet the story continues." The Iranian mission at the U.N. claimed in a statement that the guards' activities were merely routine sightseeing and filming. However, according to newspaper reports, the Iranians were filming with cameras hidden in their clothing. Stuart Holliday, the Deputy U.S. Ambassador, stated that the Iranian guards were taking pictures of important buildings and various infrastructure facilities in New York and added, "We trust the local and federal police's ability to determine which activities are normal and which actions are abnormal." Senator Charles Schumer, a Democrat from New York, stated, "Iran is engaged in espionage and deception, putting everyone at risk. He said Iranian employees have repeatedly been caught committing crimes. If it happens once, you say it's unusual. If it happens three times, then it becomes evident that there is a problem. Iran is still considered the most active state sponsor of terrorism, supporting terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and providing shelter for al-Qaeda leadership elements." Cofer Black, the U.S. State Department's Coordinator for Counterterrorism, stated, "Iran's security organizations, such as the Revolutionary Guards, Quds Force, and Ministry of Intelligence and Security, have established relationships with terrorists and terrorist groups. These individuals are very dangerous and operate on a global scale."