The threat of Iran’s European networks
The threat of Iran’s European networks newspress_en Mon, 10/12/2026 - 05:33 Opinion An Iranian threat to Europe no longer looks like the terrorism of an earlier era. It may look instead like two men conducting surveillance of an embassy, young local criminals lurking near a military base, a gang hired to attack a Jewish target, a charity moving money, an art dealer facilitating sanctions evasion,…
Recent events in Britain reveal the evolving threat posed by Iran's European networks. On October 9, two men pleaded not guilty at the Old Bailey for conducting reconnaissance on behalf of Iranian intelligence services, targeting Israeli and Jewish interests. Simultaneously, British authorities are investigating a suspected terrorist plot near RAF Fairford, a US airbase, involving masked men and three vans discovered on September 27.
US officials claimed Iran planned a possible drone attack, leading to the removal of B-1 bombers from the base. Iran denies involvement and the investigation continues. These incidents illustrate Iran's shift from traditional terrorist plots to a more adaptive and transnational approach, involving various actors such as organized crime, financiers, charities, educational institutions, and commercial fronts.
This transformation poses a significant challenge, as it expands Iran's ability to project coercive power abroad beyond just violent attacks.
Written by urgent.news from Al Majalla English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
