From drone plots to cyberattacks: Is Iran taking its war to Europe?

Iran has escalated its tensions with the United States, warning that ballistic missiles could reach European military bases, according to state television. The claim, made on Saturday, targeted RAF Fairford in Britain, a base used by American bombers during operations against Iran. Iranian state media claimed that modifications to a Khorramshahr ballistic missile could significantly extend its range. However, there is no independent confirmation that Iran possesses a modified missile capable of reaching Britain.

This warning follows a directive from Iran's Supreme Leader, ordering armed forces to prepare for retaliation against US or Israeli attacks without geographical restrictions. The Revolutionary Guards announced that Iran had lifted its self-imposed 2,000km limit on ballistic missile ranges, though it remains unclear if this has been achieved. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, also warned that American military installations in Europe could be targeted if Washington resumed attacks.

These threats come amid growing concerns over alleged Iranian-backed operations against American military facilities in Britain. US officials have reported that up to a dozen American aircraft were evacuated from RAF Mildenhall after intelligence agencies detected a suspected Iran-backed drone plot. The base is a major hub for US air refueling and special operations in Europe.

The threat of drone attacks and cyber sabotage has heightened fears of a widening conflict, with European security agencies grappling with an expanding range of threats. The situation underscores the potential for Iran's actions to spill beyond the Middle East and impact Europe, despite initial denials of involvement in the RAF Fairford plot.