Journalist Stabbed in London Amid Iranian Regime Threats
Iran International journalist Pouria Zeraati was brutally attacked in London, suffering knife wounds across multiple parts of his body. He remains hospitalized but is in stable condition. The Metropolitan Police are investigating the violent assault.
Shadow of Iranian Regime Looms Large
The motive behind the stabbing remains unclear. However, the attack follows just months after a chilling plot by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to assassinate two other Iran International journalists in London was uncovered.
Scotland Yard confirmed they are probing the incident, with MI5 also made aware. Iran International reporters have long been targeted by the regime for their outspoken coverage and support of dissidents and human rights activists.
Previous Threats and Security Measures
- In November 2022, London police secured Iran International’s offices following credible intelligence of threats against its journalists.
- Early 2023 saw the broadcaster temporarily shut its UK operations, moving studios to Washington DC before resuming London broadcasts in September.
- In February 2023, police arrested Magomed-Husejn Dovtaev, a man spying on the London office. He was later sentenced to 3.5 years for gathering information useful for terrorism.
Condemnations and Alarming Revelations
Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary of the National Union of Journalists, slammed the attack:
“This cowardly attack on Pouria is deeply shocking. We hope he makes a swift recovery. This brutal stabbing will raise fears among journalists targeted by Iran International and BBC Persian that they are unsafe.”
MP Alicia Kearns, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, added:
“This is deeply upsetting. Iran continues hunting those brave enough to speak against the regime. Yet our strategies to protect such people remain uncertain.”
Foiled Assassination Plot Linked to IRGC Commander
An ITV investigation revealed the 2022 assassination plot was orchestrated by Mohammad Reza Ansari, IRGC’s chief of overseas assassinations. The plan involved stabbing Iran International anchors Sima Sabet and Fardad Farahzad in London.
The hitman, reportedly directed via Assad regime associates, was a double agent who tipped off western intelligence, saving the targets. The plot was cynically codenamed “the wedding,” with the journalists as “bride” and “groom.”
Ansari is also linked to failed assassination attempts on US figures Mike Pompeo and John Bolton and is sanctioned by the US Treasury. He operates out of Syria with ties to Bashar al-Assad’s family.
