Jewish group: Spy case shows Germany must act against Iran

BERLIN – Germany’s Jewish community says raids against suspected Iranian agents show Berlin needs to take a tougher line toward Tehran.

German authorities have searched premises linked to 10 people suspected of conducting espionage activity on behalf of Iranian intelligence. Prosecutors, however, have refused to confirm reports the suspects are linked to the elite Quds Force of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, responsible for operations outside Iran.

The Central Council of Jews said Wednesday that if the suspects are scouting Jewish and Israeli targets in Germany “this mustn’t be left unpunished.” Its president, Josef Schuster, said Germany shouldn’t put economic ties with Iran before the need to protect its own citizens.

Federal prosecutors said Wednesday no arrests had been made yet in their investigation, which followed a tip from Germany’s domestic intelligence agency.