In a stark warning to Europe, Italian MEP Anna Cinzia Bonfrisco has raised concerns about the escalating conflict in the Middle East, emphasising the Iranian regime’s threat to Europe.
In a note sent to Express.co.uk, Bonfrisco expressed her worry about Iran’s expanding influence, pointing out its involvement in conflicts across Pakistan, Syria, and Iraq.
“Iran is expanding the conflict to Pakistan, Syria, and Iraq. It has armed Hamas against Israel and the Houthis in Yemen against ships flying the European and US flags. The Iranian regime is a threat to Italy and Europe,” said Bonfrisco.
She further highlighted the potential consequences of an escalation, not only in terms of security but also economically, highlighting the devastating effects it could have.
Bonfrisco expressed dismay at the European Union’s lack of preparedness.
She said: “I’m surprised that the European Union still doesn’t have a plan to deal with a conflict that now seems imminent.”
One specific concern raised by Bonfrisco is the absence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from the European list of terrorist organisations. According to Bonfrisco, the IRGC is a key instrument through which Iran finances terrorism globally, and she has been advocating for its inclusion in the European list for a year.
The recent airstrike by Iran targeting an alleged outlawed separatist group in the Pakistani province of Baluchistan has added fuel to the fire.
The move has strained relations between Iran and Pakistan, potentially heightening tensions in a region already grappling with conflicts such as Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The targeted group, Jaish al-Adl, emerged in 2012 and consists mainly of members from the Sunni militant Jundullah group. With aspirations for independence for both Iran’s Sistan and Pakistan’s Baluchistan provinces, Jaish al-Adl becomes a common target for both governments.
The recent military response from Pakistan, recalling its ambassador to Iran, indicates the severity of the situation. While an immediate military retaliation seems unlikely due to Pakistan’s focus on its eastern border, the strained relations and increasing militant activities along the Iran-Pakistan border pose a significant security threat.
