‘Nobody considered this a European problem’: Is Europe ready to stand up to Iranian threats?

Iranian officials have threatened missile strikes on Europe if the US uses European bases to attack Iran. Dr. Lynette Nusbacher, a former UK National Security Secretariat official, told the Jerusalem Post that Europe had not previously considered this a threat, but noted Iran lacks ICBMs. Europe has also faced cyberattacks on retailers, and the EU has urged households to prepare 72-hour emergency kits.

Iran has threatened to strike Europe if European countries allow the US to use their bases for an attack on Iran. Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of the Iranian parliament's security committee, told Euronews that Iran's missiles would be fired towards Europe if the US uses bases in Italy and Germany. The Tehran municipality-owned Hamshahri published a map of Europe marking 15 potential targets, including British, German, and Italian military bases. Dr. Lynette Nusbacher, who helped develop two UK National Security Strategies, told the Jerusalem Post that Europe had not previously considered this a European problem. She noted that Iran does not possess ICBMs, but a missile with a 2,000 km range could reach parts of southeastern Europe. Europe has also faced cyberattacks on retailers in multiple countries, though no group has claimed responsibility. The EU has urged households to prepare emergency kits for the first 72 hours of a crisis, with new guidelines released by Commissioner Hadja Lahbib.