An Iraqi national accused of coordinating multiple terrorist attacks in Europe and plotting attacks in the United States appeared in federal court Wednesday to face terrorism charges.

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi is accused by prosecutors of being a leader of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi militia with ties to Iran. Federal authorities allege he planned approximately 18 terror attacks targeting Jewish institutions across Europe as part of what prosecutors describe as a retaliation campaign by Iran.

According to prosecutors, Al-Saadi also allegedly plotted to carry out terror attacks within the United States, including targeting a prominent synagogue in New York City. The specific details of the alleged domestic plot were not immediately disclosed by authorities.

The FBI brought Al-Saadi to New York to face federal charges related to the alleged coordinated campaign of attacks. The case represents what authorities describe as an international terrorism investigation spanning multiple countries and involving attacks on Jewish religious institutions.

The charges come amid heightened security concerns regarding Iran-linked militant groups and their activities targeting Jewish communities and institutions internationally. Kataib Hezbollah has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States government.

Al-Saadi's court appearance marks the beginning of federal proceedings in what prosecutors characterize as a significant international terrorism case involving planned attacks on both sides of the Atlantic.