German Official Warns of Potential Iranian Retaliation in Europe After US-Israeli Strikes

German Intelligence Overseer Issues Stern Warning

The head of Germany's parliamentary control panel for secret services, Marc Henrichmann, has issued a stark warning regarding potential Iranian retaliatory measures in Europe. Henrichmann stated that actions, including those by Iranian 'sleeper cells,' cannot be ruled out following recent joint US and Israeli strikes. He emphasized that the Iranian regime has a documented history of conducting operations beyond its borders, underscoring the need for European nations to remain vigilant and adapt their protection measures.

Context: US-Israeli Strikes and Iranian Supreme Leader's Death

The warning comes in the wake of significant military actions on February 28 and March 1, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran. These operations, codenamed 'Roaring Lion' by Israel and 'Operation Epic Fury' by the US, targeted key Iranian officials, military commanders, and facilities. A central outcome of these strikes was the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. US President Donald Trump reportedly stated that the goal of the military campaign was regime change in Iran. In response, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting US bases and other countries in the Middle East, as well as barrages against Israel.

History of Iranian Operations and Sleeper Cell Concerns in Europe

Concerns about Iranian sleeper cells and other covert activities in Europe have been heightened by this escalation. Iran has a long track record of conducting operations abroad, often targeting:

• Iranian dissidents
• Israeli citizens and diplomats
• Jewish communities

These operations have included foiled terrorist plots, such as an attempted bombing in Vienna in 2018 and an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm in 2024, as well as espionage and cyber-attacks. Notably, Iran has increasingly utilized criminal perpetrators and proxy networks to carry out these actions, aiming to maintain plausible deniability. Germany's Antisemitism Commissioner, Felix Klein, specifically warned that Tehran might leverage its agent networks to execute terrorist attacks against Jewish and Israeli institutions within Germany.

German and European Vigilance

German intelligence agencies have previously cautioned about Iranian state-sponsored espionage campaigns targeting Iranian expatriates and other individuals in Germany. The German military intelligence has also increased its alert level regarding Iranian espionage activities directed at the Bundeswehr. In light of these threats, Henrichmann's call for heightened vigilance and adapted protection measures resonates with ongoing efforts. Germany's federal interior ministry has already warned the Iranian diaspora about potential intimidation and harassment by Iranian state actors. Furthermore, Germany is actively advocating for the inclusion of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps on the European Union's terrorist list.