Iranian intelligence services apparently recruiting via intermediaries to mount attacks aimed at sowing chaos
Iranian intelligence services and Revolutionary Guards operatives are recruiting teenagers through criminal intermediaries to launch a wave of low-level “hybrid warfare” attacks in Europe and the UK, according to investigators, security officials, analysts and police documents.
A first wave of attacks was launched in early March, 10 days after the US and Israel began strikes on Iran, and targeted Jewish community sites in Belgium, the Netherlands and US banks. A second wave has focused on the UK, with a series of arson and attempted arson attacks on synagogues, a Jewish charity and the offices of an Iranian opposition TV network in London.
On Tuesday, British police said they had arrested seven people for allegedly plotting a further firebombing, and a teenager pleaded guilty to an arson attack on a synagogue in west London on Saturday.
Analysts and security officials say that although there is no direct proof of Iran’s involvement, multiple factors strongly suggest the attacks are part of a campaign of hybrid warfare launched by Tehran to destabilise US allies and warn of them potential cost of greater involvement in the conflict, while also harming Jewish communities seen as supportive of Israel.
