Israel warns Iran has abandoned restraint in global terror plots

Monday 09 March 2026 - 08:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Israel warns Iran has abandoned restraint in global terror plots

A senior official from Israel’s National Security Council warned that Iran has abandoned restraint in overseas terror operations, shifting from proxy warfare to direct attacks targeting Israelis worldwide as hostilities between Iran and the United States Israel coalition enter a second week.

The official told The Jerusalem Post that Tehran has adopted what he described as an unprecedented approach to international attacks. “No intermediaries, no filters. Wherever they can act, they act,” the official said, adding that Iran now appears to operate with a sense that it has little left to lose after recent strikes against its leadership and military infrastructure.

The warning came as air raid sirens sounded across Israel early Sunday after the military reported at least four waves of missiles launched from Iran over a five hour period. Authorities said the strikes caused no casualties or significant damage.

The attacks followed the start of joint military operations by the United States and Israel launched on February 28. The operations, known as Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury, targeted Iranian leadership facilities, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps installations and nuclear infrastructure.

According to the Israeli official, Iranian authorities are increasingly willing to bypass traditional layers of deniability. The official said Tehran is recruiting a wide range of operatives, including criminal networks, mercenaries and foreign fighters such as Afghans and Azerbaijanis, to conduct attacks.

He added that some individuals killed in recent strikes inside Iran had been involved in planning overseas terrorist operations. Their deaths disrupted the command structures coordinating those activities.

Israel’s National Security Council earlier warned of a concrete threat to Israelis abroad, saying several planned attacks had already been foiled since the conflict escalated. Travel advisories were issued for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, expanding earlier warnings that already covered the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states.

Security concerns have also prompted alerts from governments beyond the Middle East. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade released a rare global security advisory on March 7, warning that the conflict could trigger copycat attacks and violent demonstrations in multiple regions.

Authorities noted that locations frequented by foreign visitors, including airports, hotels and shopping centers, could become potential targets. In the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security placed counterterrorism units on heightened alert.

FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly instructed more than 200 joint terrorism task forces to mobilize additional security resources in response to the growing threat.

The Israeli security official urged citizens traveling abroad to avoid places strongly associated with Jewish or Israeli identity, including Chabad centers, synagogues and kosher restaurants. Officials also warned of a rising risk from lone actors inspired by anti Israeli sentiment or religious edicts.

“I recommend that any Israeli, wherever they are, avoid locations associated with Jewish communities and Israel,” the official said, warning that individuals acting independently could attempt attacks.