Some, perhaps even old friends from the noble Shiite sect, are trying to weaken the friendship and trust that have existed between me and the Shiites, and Muslims in general, since my high school and university days. Those ties were further strengthened through more than 46 years in journalism, during which I remained committed to nothing but the state and the nation, while maintaining the utmost respect for my own sectarian and religious affiliation, as well as those of all other Lebanese.
I was accused of adopting harsh and rigid "American" positions against "Hezbollah," including allegedly calling on it to adopt a new policy and behavior. In truth, I did no such thing. I merely presented the views of an American researcher of Arab descent regarding Lebanon and "Hezbollah," during which she called on the party to adopt positions contrary to its strategy and its political and sectarian alignment. I neglected to mention the source, contrary to my practice over decades.
A similar incident occurred seven or eight years ago when I quoted an American researcher residing in Lebanon but attributed the statements to him. He believed I had "stolen" his work. Naturally, I apologized to him in writing in the following day's article, but the damage to my relationship with American diplomacy in Beirut had already been done. Fortunately, that incident did not affect the relationships I continue to value within the United States.
What happened yesterday was the second such incident. Those who know me in the Shiite community—especially my friends within "Hezbollah," the "Amal Movement," and the circle of the late Sayyed Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah, a lifelong companion, as well as friends across all Lebanese denominations, whom I refer to as peoples—know my sincerity in friendship. They also know that I respect the right to disagree while preserving my own right to adopt the position I believe is best for my country at this stage. I hope this second incident will not affect the friendship, affection, and mutual respect I share with my Shiite brothers and the rest of the Lebanese.
Even if Washington resumes negotiations, Tehran will continue sending its "agents" to carry out attacks, purchase weapons, and establish associations in Europe. Therefore, European governments must strike hard against them. This is the assessment of a serious American researcher in Washington.The researcher adds that, with the collapse of the American-Iranian ceasefire and President Trump's announcement to that effect, the future has become increasingly uncertain, particularly regarding what lies ahead.
Even if the United States and Iran return to negotiations, one thing remains clear: Iran is unlikely to agree to reduce its support for its regional agents and partners, including the Iraqi Shiite militias, Lebanon's "Hezbollah," Yemen's "Houthis," and the Palestinian "Hamas."
This may not surprise anyone, but it certainly does not bode well for a stable future in the Middle East. It is also troubling news for Europe, where actors linked to Iran have been highly active in preparing operations, raising funds, and acquiring weapons. European governments, therefore, must respond firmly and make their territories more hostile to the terrorist activities in question. Preventing these groups from rebuilding their financial networks, operational capabilities, and weapons stockpiles will be essential.
This task is of great—perhaps absolute—priority for Tehran. In recent months, Iran has intensified punitive actions and disinformation campaigns on European soil. The "Youth Movement," a right-wing reformist organization, emerged during the early days of the war and launched attacks against Jewish targets across Europe. It maintains contacts with "Kata'ib Hezbollah," an Iraqi "terrorist" group directly linked to the Iranian regime.
The organization recruits young people with limited criminal backgrounds to target Jews in Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and elsewhere. Meanwhile, Iran's "Quds Force" of the "Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps" and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security have planned and carried out several terrorist plots in various countries over the past few years.
The same American researcher notes that "Hezbollah" has a history of "terrorist" activity, including the 2012 bus bombing in Bulgaria, while other planned operations were discovered and foiled. As for "Hamas," its presence in Europe came later, since its activities had been concentrated in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Shortly after the October 7 attack launched by "Hamas" against Israel from Gaza, German and Danish authorities arrested individuals who were developing weapons caches in Europe. Over the past year, members of "Hamas" have also been accused of planning attacks to coincide with the anniversary of October 7.
At a recent press conference, Germany's Attorney General warned of this emerging threat, emphasizing that Germany and other European countries have become bases for planning and executing terrorist operations linked to "Hamas." Europe has also become a vital source of technology used by Iran's agents, foremost among them "Hezbollah."
In 2025, European authorities thwarted an attempt by a network led by "Hezbollah" to obtain advanced technology to enhance its drone capabilities. The network operated across Spain, Germany, France, and Britain, and investigations concluded that its objective was to strike Israel.
European governments have nonetheless taken specific measures to confront the growing Iranian threat. Several governments prosecuted "Hamas" over financing operations reminiscent of those carried out on October 7, marking a departure from previous practice. In the same year, the European Union classified the "Iranian Revolutionary Guard" as a principal arm of Iran responsible for terrorist activities conducted through a global terrorist network.
