Iran’s military has threatened to target tourist destinations around the world – just as the Easter holidays begin.
General Abolfazl Shekarchi, a spokesman for the Islamic Republic’s armed forces, issued a bristling global threat on Friday.
“We are watching your cowardly officials and commanders, pilots and wicked soldiers,” he raged.
“From now on, based on the information we have about you, even parks, recreational areas, and tourist destinations anywhere in the world will no longer be safe for you.”
The threat comes mere days before the Easter holidays begin in the UK on April 3, with countless British families preparing to travel abroad – while spring break in the US is already underway.
And Iranian forces have already launched volleys of missiles and drones at British-favourite destinations in the Middle East including Oman and the UAE.
Following a drone attack on Dubai International Airport, British Airways cancelled its flights to to Bahrain, Dubai, Tel Aviv and Jordanian capital Amman until May 31.
Flights to Doha in Qatar have also been scrapped until April 30, while flights to Abu Dhabi have been cancelled until October.
Iran’s military has threatened to target tourist destinations around the world
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GETTY
Back on home soil, Western intelligence agencies have long harboured concerns about dormant sleeper cells that could be activated for attacks.
And in the lead-up to “Operation Epic Fury”, Iran has been expanding its long-range missile capabilities to devastating effect.
The country’s arsenal features the Shahab-3, capable of striking targets 1,300km away, and the Khorramshahr with a reach of 2,000km.
Such distances place European nations including Greece, Turkey and Cyprus – and its two RAF bases – within potential range.
Iran also showed a willingness to strike British territory on Friday night, launching two missiles at the UK-US military base in the Chagos Islands.
IRAN’S THREATS – READ MORE:
General Abolfazl Shekarchi issued the warning on Friday
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FARS
Western officials are increasingly worried that Iran may launch militant operations outside the Middle East.
No specific locations were named in General Shekarchi’s statement, though intelligence services remain alert to the threat of sleeper agents.
The National Cyber Security Centre issued guidance to British businesses in early March urging them to bolster their digital defences.
Organisations were urged to “prepare to respond” to “Iran-linked hacktivists”.
The guidance comes amid broader fears that Iran may seek to demonstrate its capabilities through various means, including digital attacks on Western infrastructure and businesses.
PICTURED: A satellite view of Dubai International Airport after a drone strike ignited a fuel tank fire
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GETTY
Security analysts believe Iranian operatives may already be present in Britain.
Dr Andreas Krieg of King’s College London has warned it is “plausible” that individuals connected to the Basij, Iran’s paramilitary militia, could be operating in the UK.
“Periods of heightened confrontation create incentives for Tehran to demonstrate reach,” Dr Krieg said.
“A leadership shake-up can trigger riskier signalling if decision-makers feel threatened.”
