Iranian-Linked Operatives Recruit Minors for Attacks on Israeli Targets Across Europe

Iranian-linked operatives have been reportedly recruiting minors to carry out attacks on Israeli and Jewish institutions across Europe. A disturbing pattern of incidents in Sweden, Belgium, and Norway has revealed Tehran’s covert effort to expand its proxy war against Israel beyond the Middle East, targeting vulnerable European territories.

In one case, a 15-year-old boy in Stockholm boarded a taxi in May, armed with a loaded gun, and asked to be driven to the Israeli embassy. However, the boy, unsure of the exact location, had to call an associate for directions. Swedish authorities, who had been monitoring the teenager, intercepted the cab before it reached its destination. In Gothenburg, a 13-year-old fired shots at the headquarters of Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense company. Similarly, a 16-year-old placed homemade bombs near the entrance of the same facility. Prosecutors believe these minors were part of a larger network, though they have not established who issued their orders.

These incidents highlight Iran’s broader campaign to exploit local vulnerabilities and extend its regional conflict with Israel into Europe. In Belgium, authorities thwarted a planned attack on the Israeli embassy involving minors as young as 14. In response to Iranian-linked threats, Norway heightened its terror alert to “high” in October. Sweden and Norway have also raised concerns about Tehran’s use of organized crime networks to target Israeli interests.

The failed attack in Stockholm on October 1 further exemplifies these efforts. A suspect fired shots at the Israeli embassy before fleeing on a train to Copenhagen. That night, explosions were reported near the Israeli mission in Denmark. Security officials suspect the same individual may have been responsible for both the Swedish and Danish attacks.

Social Media Recruitment and Financial Incentives

Iranian operatives are increasingly using social media platforms like Telegram and TikTok to recruit minors for these attacks. According to terrorism researcher Peter Nesser, recruits are paid as little as €120 for petrol bomb attacks and up to €1,500 for more serious crimes such as murder. Many of these recruits, often unaware of their handlers' affiliations with Iran, are lured into committing violent acts with little understanding of the broader political implications.

Swedish officials reported that some young perpetrators do not grasp the full extent of their actions. For instance, the teenager arrested in Stockholm was unaware of the political motivations behind his mission. Similarly, the attackers in Gothenburg appeared to be working under external influence but lacked knowledge of the larger geopolitical context.

Rising Gang Violence and Security Concerns in Scandinavia

Sweden and Norway are grappling with rising gang violence and increasing criminal recruitment, which has allowed hostile foreign actors to exploit vulnerabilities in their societies. Sweden, where about 20% of the population consists of immigrants, has been struggling with integration challenges and escalating violence. In Norway, political leaders have expressed concerns about the growing influence of organized crime crossing from Sweden.

These incidents have sparked political debates in both countries. Sweden has proposed creating youth detention centers to combat juvenile crime, while Norway is considering similar measures ahead of its next election. Far-right parties in both countries have called for stricter policies to address the increasing threats.

A Global Strategy to Destabilize Israel

Iran’s strategy to destabilize Israeli targets globally is part of a broader effort by Tehran’s proxies, which have been weakened by Israeli military responses in Gaza and Lebanon. As these proxies refocus their attention on vulnerable European communities, there is growing concern that exploiting minors and the low cost of attacks will make such operations harder to prevent.

Despite the weakened state of its regional proxies, Iran continues to pose a significant threat to European security. Experts warn that the covert activities of Iranian-linked operatives will require heightened vigilance and international cooperation to counter.