An ultra-conservative Iranian newspaper, Hamshahri, has published a threat of 'retaliation' against German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The paper featured images of 13 Western politicians as 'wanted' for the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, claiming they would pay the ultimate price.

Besides Merz, the list included US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. All were depicted in orange prison uniforms, typical of US prisons.

Since late February, many European countries have supported US and Israeli strikes on Iran by granting overflight permissions. In early March, after the bombing began, Merz stated that the German government shared the relief of many Iranians that the regime was coming to an end.

Ali Khamenei was killed at the start of the campaign. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed retaliation. The newspaper article stated: 'Retaliation is inevitable. The criminals will take their wish for a peaceful death to the grave.' The article was later removed from the website and did not appear in the print edition.

The German government responded cautiously. Deputy spokesperson Steffen Meyer said they had taken note but declined further comment. However, security officials expressed concern. Marc Henrichmann, head of the Bundestag oversight committee, said: 'We have to assume that Iran's intelligence services are planning attacks in Europe as well.'

German authorities are particularly worried about 'disposable agents' recruited for single attacks. An estimated 180 individuals in Germany are active for Iran's Revolutionary Guards or intelligence service. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution stated that Iran's intelligence apparatus has long been prepared to resort to state terrorism, including threats and planning of attacks.

Source: www.dw.com