But can the American-Israeli airstrikes truly bring about a democratic change of power? Terrorism expert Hans-Jakob Schindler emphasized that no attempt has ever been made to effect regime change solely from the air. One would then have to hope that enough people within the system would switch sides to the opposition.

The most intriguing presentation of Thursday evening was reserved for Hans-Jakob Schindler. The security expert was addressed directly by Illner, who directed her hands at him, subtly gesturing with them to resemble pistols. Schindler, in any case, presented himself as a cool observer: the current regime must go, not least because it would exact incredible revenge on the Iranians if it remained in power.

Hans-Jakob Schindler, Middle East and terrorism expert, director of the Counter-Extremism Project (CEP) think tank, speaks on possible outcomes of the war.

Hans-Jakob Schindler, senior director at the Counter Extremism Project, warned of new radicalisation fuelled by the Iran war. "Both online and offline, we are seeing further radicalisation across the entire spectrum of violent Islamist extremism," he said.

What has changed within just a few days? What networks does the regime have in Germany? How are supporters being mobilized? How prepared are the German security authorities for possible actions? Alica Jung discusses these issues with Marc Henrichmann, CDU, Chairman of the Parliamentary Control Panel, Hans-Jakob Schindler, terrorism and Middle East expert [and CEP Senior Director], and ZDF correspondent Elmar Theveßen in Washington. 

CEP Senior Director Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler discusses Iranian hybrid warfare in the current war.

Iran is relying on hybrid warfare and decentralized military structures in its war against Israel and the US. A peaceful transition seems impossible, says Hans-Jakob Schindler, Middle East expert [and CEP Senior Director], on WELT TV.

For security experts, the Hamburg case is part of a larger picture. Hans-Jakob Schindler from the transatlantic think tank “Counter Extremism Project” says that Iran has built up a network of organizations, individuals, and structures in Germany over many years. This has resulted in the creation of a veritable security architecture that will not simply disappear even after individual institutions have been banned.

[CEP Senior Director] Middle East expert Hans-Jakob Schindler analyzes the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. He emphasizes that President Peseshkian has no control over the military: “The Revolutionary Guards act independently,” says Hans-Jakob Schindler, Middle East expert, on WELT TV.

To assess the threat Iran might pose to Germany, DW spoke with extremism expert Hans‑Jakob Schindler, senior director of the Counter Extremism Project. "It's clear that the defense strategy of the Islamic regime in Iran really is hybrid warfare," Schindler said. "Therefore, the idea that they could also try to increase the economic and political costs of military confrontation globally by using terror attacks as they had a history in the past of doing is definitely something that is very clear."