Pouria Zeraati, a journalist based in the UK and working for Iran International, an independent Persian-language media outlet, was assaulted outside his residence in London, leading to a probe by counter-terrorism police. According to Adam Baillie, a spokesperson for Iran International, Zeraati is currently in stable condition and recovering in the hospital following the attack.
Baillie described the incident as “shocking” and emphasized that the motive behind the attack remains unclear. However, given previous threats made by Iran against perceived opponents in the UK, London’s Metropolitan Police has assigned its counter-terrorism unit to investigate the stabbing.
While the motive is yet to be determined, the victim’s occupation as a journalist at a Persian-language media organization based in the UK is being considered by the authorities.
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Iran’s charge d’affaires in the UK, Mehdi Hosseini Matin, has denied any connection between Tehran and the attack.
The assault on Zeraati follows previous incidents implicating Iran in threats against journalists associated with Iran International, including a foiled plot in 2022 to assassinate two television anchors.
Baillie revealed that Iran International and its journalists have been subjected to threats and targeting by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) for the past 18 months, escalating significantly in recent months. Tactics employed by the IRGC include intimidating relatives in Iran, aggressive questioning, and direct threats.
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The Metropolitan Police has previously intervened in suspected plots in the UK targeting individuals considered enemies by Tehran. Notably, an Austrian national was convicted last December for espionage related to a group allegedly planning attacks against Iran International.
Iran has labeled Iran International a terrorist organization, particularly after it covered protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Amini’s death, following her arrest in Tehran for an alleged dress code violation, attracted international attention and condemnation.
The UK government has implemented stricter sanctions against Iran for alleged human rights violations and hostile actions against perceived opponents on British soil.
