European intelligence services have stepped up monitoring of networks operating within their borders that are believed to have direct ties to Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other Iranian-backed factions, amid growing fears of a broader regional conflict and renewed Iranian activity in Europe, the Nidaa Al-Watan newspaper reported.

According to security sources familiar with the matter, European agencies are actively tracking suspected cells that could be used to destabilize the continent, especially in light of escalating geopolitical tensions. The stepped-up scrutiny follows increasing concern that Iran may activate its remaining networks in response to anticipated U.S. military actions against its nuclear facilities and possible efforts to weaken or even collapse the Tehran regime.

European security coordination with Lebanon has also intensified, as Western capitals remain wary of the potential exploitation of the Syrian refugee crisis, either as a pressure point or a recruitment pool, for operations against European interests.

"The central focus of European intelligence agencies is to shield the continent from any Iranian breach or attempt to revive dormant or under-the-radar networks," one security official said. "The threat landscape is evolving quickly, especially with talk of American strikes and efforts to dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities."

Despite suffering setbacks in recent years, Hezbollah remains active and deeply embedded within Iran’s strategic apparatus. European fears are compounded by the belief that Tehran may resort to "any means necessary" to assert its influence and retaliate against Western pressure.

In Beirut, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is reportedly working to secure a "protective umbrella" for Lebanon, seeking to isolate the country from becoming a launchpad for regional or international threats. His administration has received cautiously positive signals from European governments, who view his election and the formation of a new government as a potential turning point for Lebanon.

Aoun has made diplomatic outreach a central part of his strategy to rebuild Lebanon’s frayed international ties. He launched a diplomatic tour of the Gulf, beginning with Saudi Arabia and continuing through the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait, with additional visits expected. The goal is to restore trust and secure vital Arab support, which has already begun to materialize with the UAE lifting travel restrictions on Lebanon.

While Aoun’s administration has made headway with Gulf nations, key challenges remain in meeting their demands, particularly efforts to stem the trafficking of Captagon, prevent Lebanon from being used to threaten Gulf security, limit weapons possession to the state, and advance critical domestic reforms.

European governments have echoed similar concerns. While their language may be more tempered than Washington’s, their core expectations align closely: comprehensive reforms and the disarmament of Hezbollah and all armed militias operating outside state control.

"The chaos in Beirut threatens to spill over into the Mediterranean," one European diplomat warned. "We are watching closely."

Lebanon’s leadership, aware of the risks of further isolation, appears committed to preventing the country from becoming a source of instability for the Gulf or Europe. According to both political and security sources, coordination with European counterparts is ongoing and frequent.

Some European states are particularly alarmed by signs that Hezbollah may be re-centering its networks in Europe, especially following the erosion of Syria’s role as a hub for Captagon production and smuggling. Diplomats note that prior to the current crackdown, Syria’s illicit Captagon trade had generated an estimated $5 billion annually, much of it benefiting Iran’s allies in the region.

"There is an emerging European consensus," one source said. "The era of looking the other way is ending. The networks must be dismantled."