U.S. Fears Terrorist Attack in Europe on Iran Anniversary

The United States is deeply concerned about the possibility of a terrorist attack against Americans or U.S. installations in Europe to coincide with the upcoming 11th anniversary of the Islamic revolution in Iran, the State Department said Thursday.

Deputy department spokesman Richard Boucher recalled that a threat advisory was issued last December, and he said that threat continues. The anniversary of Iran’s revolution is this Sunday.

Boucher added that the United States has no specific information about any possible terrorist operation or its target.

“If further credible or specific information on this threat develops, the department will issue additional alerts to travelers and other concerned parties,” he said.

The Tehran government late Thursday rejected the State Department’s warning as baseless. A press statement issued by Iran’s U.N. mission also said that it has brought “this grave issue” to the attention of the U.N. secretary general.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran categorically rejects the baseless allegation made by the U.S. State Department, and considers them (sic) vain attempts to discredit the Islamic revolution,” it said.

In his comments, Boucher added that the department is encouraging travelers to Europe to exercise caution but that Americans are not being urged to cancel plans they may have to visit the Continent.

The statement issued last December said the concern was based partly on reports of movement of terrorists from the Middle East and the discovery of weapons shipments destined for pro-Iranian groups in Spain and Africa.