Tel Aviv: American and Israeli intelligence organisations have uncovered an Iranian plan to attack US and allied military targets located within Europe—such as bases in Cyprus and Bulgaria. Israeli sources said that this plan was prepared by the most extreme groups within the IRGC and that initial preparations were made.
In recent months, Iran has targeted European-affiliated or sovereign military installations in the wider Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, such as a drone strike on the British base in Akrotiri, Cyprus.
According to the Israeli sources, the Iranian plan to strike targets in Europe was prepared as the economic pressure of the US has grown and created a chaotic situation in Iran. As per the intelligence reports, the planned attacks are viewed as a way to show Europe the wider cost of supporting US or Israeli military operations.
Military analysts and Israeli officials have noted that Iran’s development of long-range ballistic missiles and drone technology theoretically puts parts of southeastern and central Europe within physical reach. Intelligence assessments suggest that the plan exists, but some moderate groups in Tehran managed to restrain the ultra-extreme cells in the IRGC.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
