German Authorities Warn of Rising Iranian Intelligence Threats
German security authorities are closely monitoring possible Iranian intelligence activity after recent US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran raised fears of retaliation, according to officials in Berlin.
Federal Interior Minister ألكسندر دوبریندت stated that security agencies are watching the situation carefully. He described the current situation as an “abstract threat,” meaning there is no concrete evidence yet of planned attacks but the potential risk remains.
The Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution) warned shortly after the strikes that retaliatory actions in Germany cannot be ruled out. The agency said Jewish institutions such as schools and synagogues could become potential targets if Iran or its networks attempt revenge operations.
Security officials also believe other locations could be at risk, including diplomatic facilities and military sites. Members of the Iranian opposition living in Germany are considered particularly vulnerable, as intelligence services claim they have faced surveillance, intimidation, and even kidnapping attempts by Iranian agents for decades.
Germany’s government commissioner for combating antisemitism, فيليكس كلاين, expressed particular concern about Jewish communities. He warned that Iran could activate networks inside Germany to target Jewish or Israeli institutions following the killing of Iranian leader علي خامنئي.
Marc Henrichmann, head of the Parlamentarisches Kontrollgremium (Parliamentary Oversight Committee for Intelligence Services), said Iran has previously shown it is willing to carry out operations beyond its borders. However, he stressed that strong security measures already in place mean there is currently no reason for panic.
Meanwhile, lawmaker أميد نوريبور, who was born in Tehran and previously led Germany’s Green Party, said Iranian intelligence agencies have long threatened attacks in Europe. He warned that the current tensions could increase the chances of such actions taking place.
German intelligence agencies also report that Iranian operations increasingly include cyber activities. According to recent reports, Iranian-linked groups have attempted to hack communication systems used by Iranian exiles in Germany, including human rights activists, journalists, and lawyers.
Security experts say these tactics may involve espionage, intimidation, and cyberattacks targeting diaspora communities. Authorities believe Iranian intelligence services sometimes gather personal data from private emails and social media accounts to track individuals and map their networks.
As tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States continue to escalate, German security officials warn that the risk of Iranian intelligence activity inside Germany may increase rather than decline.