Germany’s top political leadership and intelligence agencies are at odds over how to address potential Iran-backed attacks within the country. According to a New York Times report, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt have acknowledged the threat but described it as theoretical or speculative. In contrast, regional intelligence chiefs consider the threat specific and urgent, warning that public awareness remains low due to political hesitation.

European intelligence services have reportedly identified at least 50 plots targeting Jewish and Israeli institutions and critics of the Iranian government in Germany. Investigators are examining possible Iranian proxy involvement in a recent attack on an Israeli restaurant in Munich, claimed by a group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which allegedly has financial ties to Tehran. The same group has claimed similar attacks in other European countries.

Germany’s Interior Ministry confirmed ongoing investigations into Iranian activities, while the Chancellor’s Office declined to discuss specific threats or targets publicly.