The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran’s Islamist regime could trigger retaliatory terror activity across Europe, German security officials have warned.
The chairman of the Bundestag’s Parliamentary Control Committee (PKGr), which oversees Germany’s intelligence services, cautioned Sunday that “retaliatory measures” by pro-Iranian regime elements cannot be ruled out. According to comments reported by Die Welt, the official warned that the possibility of “sleeper cells in Europe” activating in response to the strikes remains a concern for German authorities.
Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior echoed those concerns. A ministry spokesman stated that the Iranian regime has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to conduct terror operations beyond its own borders.
“The Iranian regime has repeatedly demonstrated in the past that it carries out its terror beyond its own borders,” the spokesman said. “The federal and state security authorities are highly vigilant and will adjust appropriate protective measures as needed.”
Berlin’s Commissioner for Jewish Life and the Fight against Antisemitism, Felix Klein, said the current situation warrants heightened awareness regarding potential threats to Jewish communities.
“In light of the conflict in Iran, it would be prudent to assume an increased threat level for Jewish life in Germany,” Klein said.
Following the outbreak of fighting in the Middle East, several German states announced they would review and potentially strengthen security measures for Jewish and Israeli institutions. Many of these sites have already been under heightened protection since the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks on Israel, which sparked a surge in antisemitic incidents across Europe.
In neighboring France, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez similarly instructed regional authorities to increase security around Jewish places of worship and religious gatherings.
“In light of the current international situation in the Middle East, I reiterate my instructions to remain vigilant and ask you to immediately implement enhanced security measures for Jewish places of worship and religious gatherings,” Nuñez said, according to Le Figaro.
Over the past decade, France and Germany have been primary targets of Islamist terror attacks within Europe. Both nations have also experienced a marked rise in antisemitic incidents since the October 7 attacks, raising concerns that escalating tensions involving Iran could further inflame security risks across the continent.
