Germany investigates suspected Iran-linked spying and attack plans
German security authorities are investigating indications of possible surveillance activities and preparations for attacks linked to the Iran war, German-language newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Tuesday, citing the Interior Ministry.
A ministry spokesperson said federal security agencies were closely monitoring developments related to the Middle East and were examining various leads concerning suspected reconnaissance activities or preparations for possible attacks.
The spokesperson said the agencies were working closely with Germany's regional authorities and international partners to continuously assess the threat environment.
German security authorities are investigating indications of possible surveillance activities and preparations for attacks linked to the Iran war, German-language newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Tuesday, citing the Interior Ministry.
A ministry spokesperson said federal security agencies were closely monitoring developments related to the Middle East and were examining various leads concerning suspected reconnaissance activities or preparations for possible attacks.
The spokesperson said the agencies were working closely with Germany's regional authorities and international partners to continuously assess the threat environment.
The review comes after the publication of an Iranian "retaliation list" that included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz among a number of foreign leaders identified as targets for revenge.
The ministry said it had taken note of the publication and its threats, adding that security measures provided by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) were being continuously reviewed and adjusted where necessary.
According to the ministry, the latest escalation between the United States and Iran has not, at this stage, led to a deterioration of Germany's already elevated security assessment.
The ministry also pointed to what it described as Iran's reliance on asymmetric tactics, including intelligence gathering, intimidation of regime opponents abroad and the mobilization of supporters.
It cited Lebanon's Hezbollah, the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Yemen's Houthis as groups aligned with Tehran's so-called "Axis of Resistance."
On Saturday, Tehran municipality-affiliated newspaper Hamshahri published an image of 13 world leaders, including Merz, claiming they were on the Islamic Republic’s revenge list.
It showed them in prison uniforms in crosshairs, alongside the caption: “Revenge is certain.”
The image also showed European leaders Giorgia Meloni, Friedrich Merz, Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Iran International on Monday that the threat against the Italian prime minister was unacceptable, adding that, “Italy is not fighting against Iran, so we do not understand this attack against Italy.”
The image also depicted US and Israeli officials, including US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Qatar strongly condemned a Houthi ballistic missile attack on southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, calling it a violation of the kingdom's sovereignty and international law.
Qatar's foreign ministry said the attack was also "a threat to regional security and stability."
The ministry said Qatar stood in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and supported all measures taken by the kingdom to protect its security, stability, sovereignty, citizens and residents.
India summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador in New Delhi on Tuesday and lodged a strong protest after attacks on two commercial tankers in the Strait of Hormuz killed one Indian sailor and injured 10 others.
India’s foreign ministry said the vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, carried 30 Indian nationals among a combined crew of 46.
One of the 12 Indians aboard Al Bahiyah was killed and another injured. Nine of the 18 Indians aboard Mombasa were hurt, including two seriously, the ministry said.
India condemned attacks on seafarers and commercial shipping, warning that violence against civilian vessels and infrastructure was disrupting safe navigation through international waterways.
It also called for an immediate end to the renewed fighting in the region and a return to diplomacy.
Indian diplomatic missions in the UAE were coordinating with local authorities to assist the affected sailors, the ministry added.
