Stabbings, kidnap threats and arson attacks: how the Iranian regime targets UK journalists

Journalists working for Persian-language media outlets critical of the Iranian regime in London have faced a recent surge in threats, violence, and intimidation, which they attribute to Tehran’s efforts to silence dissent abroad. Last week, the London offices of Iran International, a news channel opposed to the regime, were targeted in an attempted arson attack when an ignited container was thrown into a nearby car park. This incident adds to a pattern of harassment that includes stabbings, kidnap threats, and surveillance, heightening fears for personal safety among Iranian journalists based in the UK. Staff at Iran International describe a climate of normalized violence and psychological strain, with some journalists reporting death threats and intimidation tactics extending to their families in Iran. One journalist recounted how Iranian security forces showed a photo of his London home balcony to his relatives as a warning, accompanied by explicit threats of gruesome violence. In 2024, TV presenter Pouria Zeraati was stabbed outside his home in Wimbledon, forcing him to relocate abroad. These attacks are part of a broader campaign of transnational repression, where authoritarian regimes target dissidents and exiles through physical assaults, electronic surveillance, and threats to family members. The escalation in threats has intensified following geopolitical developments such as the Israel-Iran conflict in mid-2025 and the widespread protests in Iran starting in late 2025. A BBC Persian journalist in London revealed that Iranian security forces have threatened her family with charges of moharebeh—waging war against God—a capital offense, underscoring the regime’s harsh reprisals against critics. These actions not only endanger journalists’ lives but also undermine press freedom and the ability of exiled media to report independently on Iran’s political situation. The ongoing intimidation of Iranian journalists in the UK highlights the urgent need for enhanced protection measures and support from British authorities and international organizations. As Tehran’s reach extends beyond its borders, safeguarding the safety and freedom of exiled journalists remains a critical challenge in defending human rights and democratic values.