In Germany, concern is growing that the war in the Middle East could spill over into Europe’s security environment.
Marc Henrichmann, chairman of the parliamentary oversight board for intelligence authorities, told the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”. “The escalation in the Middle East is not limited to that region” he said. “The Iranian regime has repeatedly shown that it carries out terror campaigns outside its borders”. He added that the situation is “currently a fight for survival” and that retaliatory actions- including through Iranian sleeper cells operating in Europe-cannot be ruled out. Israeli, Jewish and American institutions have been in particular focus for years. Existing protection plans may need to be further adjusted; “vigilance is now the key” Henrichmann stressed, but he said there is no reason for panic given the measures already in place.
Meanwhile, CDU foreign‑policy figure Jürgen Hardt views the death of Ayatollah Khamenei as an opportunity for Iran to break free from the mullah regime and pursue a democratic future. Speaking to the Monday edition of the “Rheinische Post”, Hardt said the new triumvirate of Iranian leaders faces one crucial choice: either collapse in the struggle against the United States or permit a democratic transition. “The days of the regime are counted” he said.
The spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group also reiterated that President Trump seriously intends to leave the transition to the Iranian people. Hardt echoed this line, suggesting it is a lesson from Afghanistan and Iraq and perhaps taps into the huge potential of Iran’s civil society. He said a new Iran could become a model of success if it represents all national groups and ends support for Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels, and other factions. “The dead were among the most radical anti‑Semites in the world and wanted to destroy Israel and the Jewish people” he added.