The expansion of the conflict in the Middle East, especially the involvement of Iran, could increase the risk of terrorist attacks in Europe and in Italy. The warning comes from the annual report on information and security policy, presented by the Italian intelligence services.
According to the report, jihadist propaganda could exploit the current conflict to call for a "global jihad" against the West, particularly targeting Israeli and American targets.
The Director of the Department of Security Information (DIS), Vittorio Rizzi, stressed that tensions in the Middle East and numerous international crises could amplify the terrorist threat on the European continent.
The report also notes that during 2025, the spread of jihadist propaganda online has increased, often exploiting conflicts such as the war in Gaza, instability in Iran, the situation in Syria, and the expansion of terrorist groups in Africa and Afghanistan.
A particular concern relates to the increase in Hamas activities on European territory, including possible involvement in arms trafficking and in plots against Israeli targets and Jewish communities.
The report also warns of a worrying trend: the lowering of the age of radicalization. Investigations show that the number of minors involved in extremist circles is increasing, while even children under the age of 14 are showing signs of radicalization.
According to Italian intelligence, social networks and violent content on the internet are playing an important role in this process, creating an environment where young people are first attracted to violence and then to extremist ideologies.
Rizzi also stressed that anti-Semitic sentiments remain one of the main drivers of jihadist terrorism, noting that several recent international attacks have occurred precisely during Jewish holidays.
The report warns that the combination of global crises and the use of technology by extremist groups could further increase the risk of attacks in Europe in the coming years.
