Iran hits back at EU over accusations of hostile activities

Iran on Tuesday slammed the European Union for accusing Tehran of orchestrating hostile activities including alleged assassination plots in several EU states.

Sputnik International quoted the Iranian Foreign Ministry as saying, "The unsubstantiated accusations, such as with regard to assassination attempts and attempted terrorist attacks in Europe, have been groundless and surprising from the very beginning. We are disappointed with such accusations and concerns of the Europeans, while in Europe itself terrorist and criminal groups are being active."

Iran further stated it hopes that Brussels would approach the issue of terrorism more realistically.

Responding to EU's growing concerns, Tehran clarified that its desire to increase the accuracy and range of its missiles is exclusively defensive.

The European Union on Monday had sanctioned two persons and one entity in relation to Iran's "hostile activities" in some European countries.

The Council of the European Union also called on Iran to stop activities which are aimed at the development and testing of ballistic missiles.