Investigating potential connection between two allegedly state-sponsored Iranian schemes
In United Kingdom, Two Significant Counterterrorism Operations under Investigation
It seems that the British authorities are currently scrutinizing two alleged terrorist plots, primarily involving Iranian nationals residing in the U.K. This investigation suggests possible state sponsorship, as mentioned by a senior official privy to the situation.
Over the weekend, a total of eight individuals were apprehended in various parts of the U.K., with seven of them being Iranian nationals. Police arrested three of these men under Section 27 of the U.K.'s 2023 National Security Act, indicative of suspected association with a foreign power.
These two plots have been confirmed as separate, though authorities are actively trying to discern if the same entity could have been directing both operations. At the moment, the full details regarding the second purported attack haven't been disclosed.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has described these two operations as "major" and part of the "biggest counter-state threat and counterterrorism operations" witnessed in recent years. Emphasizing the importance of the ongoing investigation, she deemed it "immensely crucial."
Iranian nationals have a history of targeting U.K.-based Iranians. In one such instance, Iran International - a Farsi-speaking television network critical of the Iranian government - relocated from London to the United States following state-supported threats against its journalists[ITV News investigation in 2023].
In another incident, a journalist from Iran International was stabbed outside his London home in March 2024. Two individuals were later charged in this attack[The Associated Press, March 2024].
Since the beginning of 2022, the U.K. has faced 20 "potentially lethal" Iran-backed plots aimed at Iranian dissidents within the country[Dan Jarvis, update in 2024]. The U.K. government has stated that Iran is specifically targeting media organizations, journalists, and Jewish or Israeli interests, as per a "long-standing pattern" of international aggression by the Iranian Intelligence Services.
"These plots are a deliberate strategy by the Iranian regime to stifle criticism through intimidation and fear," said U.K. Minister of State Dan Jarvis[update in 2024]. The U.K.'s terror threat level remains at "substantial," highlighting ongoing concerns of state-linked operations.
- The two counterterrorism operations under investigation in the United Kingdom involve alleged plots by Iranian nationals, prompting discussions of possible state sponsorship.
- In addition to the current operations, Iranian nationals have a history of targeting U.K.-based Iranians, as shown by a journalist from Iran International being stabbed in London in March 2024.
- Previous investigations, such as the ITV News investigation in 2023, have revealed that Iranian nationals have targeted media organizations critical of the Iranian government, such as Iran International.
- The British authorities apprehended eight individuals in connection with these plots, three of whom were Iranian nationals, under Section 27 of the U.K.'s 2023 National Security Act, suggesting suspected association with a foreign power. These arrests underscore the "biggest counter-state threat and counterterrorism operations" the U.K. has faced in recent years, as described by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
