The Iranian regime is not just a threat to the Middle East. Its activities now extend directly into the United Kingdom.
From foiled terror plots to intimidation of dissidents, spying on Jewish communities, and influence in British institutions, Iran is not a distant threat. It is present and active on British soil. In this article, we provide the key areas of concern that Britons need to be aware of.
-
Foiled Terror Plots on British Soil
Britain has thwarted at least 20 Iran-backed terror plots since 2022, confirmed by MI5 Director General Ken McCallum. These included credible plans to kidnap or kill regime critics living in the UK. According to MI5, these plots account for a significant proportion of the state-threat investigations currently handled by the agency. The threat is serious, persistent, and ongoing.
-
Targeting Jewish Communities in Britain
Iran’s hostility toward Israel puts Jewish communities in Britain at risk of surveillance, intimidation and even attacks.
This week, two men appeared in a London court charged with spying on the Jewish community on behalf of Iran, in what authorities described as hostile surveillance of sensitive targets. According to reporting from Jewish News, the locations under surveillance included the Israeli Embassy and Consulate in London, the JW3 Jewish community centre on Finchley Road, the Bevis Marks Synagogue, the Sternberg Centre for Judaism, and the Community Security Trust headquarters.
This case underscores the seriousness of Iran-linked surveillance in the UK and provides concrete examples of plots towards harming the Jewish community.
-
Direct Threats from Tehran
The Iranian regime does not act only through covert operations. Officials in Tehran have issued explicit warnings to the United Kingdom in response to sanctions and political opposition. The rhetoric is direct, threatening, and backed by a pattern of action.
-
A Foiled International Bomb Plot
In 2018, European authorities foiled a major bomb plot targeting a rally near Paris attended by international figures, including British MPs.
An Iranian diplomat, Assadollah Assadi, was later convicted for supplying explosives and coordinating the attack. According to the Belgian court, the plot was directed by elements of the Iranian state. This case demonstrates Iran’s willingness to conduct large-scale attacks in Europe, even against elected representatives.
-
Intimidation of Dissidents and Journalists
Iran’s reach into the UK is evident in its treatment of dissidents and independent media. In 2023, Iran International TV temporarily relocated operations from London after police warned of credible “immediate and serious” threats to its journalists.
Critics of the regime are not beyond its reach, even when based in Britain.
-
The Role of Proxy Networks
Iran often operates through organised criminal networks to carry out surveillance and potentially violent acts. This approach allows the regime to obscure its involvement while continuing to pursue its objectives.
-
Cyber Threats and Espionage
Iran is also active in cyber warfare and intelligence gathering. The National Cyber Security Centre has identified Iranian-linked groups targeting UK-based academics, policymakers, and researchers. These operations are designed to acquire sensitive information and expand influence within key sectors.
-
Influence Through Media and Messaging
Iran uses propaganda as a weapon to shape narratives in the West. Its state-linked broadcaster, Press TV, had its UK licence revoked by Ofcom after serious breaches, including the airing of a forced confession. According to Ofcom, the broadcast involved a detainee whose confession had been obtained under duress.
-
The UK-based IHRC
The Islamic Human Rights Commission has been accused of closely mirroring Iranian regime narratives. It plays a prominent role in organising Al-Quds Day marches in London, such as the one held last Sunday, which showed open support for Tehran.
-
Concerns in British Universities
Concerns have also been raised about links between British universities and Iranian institutions. Investigations have highlighted collaborations in sensitive scientific fields, prompting warnings about the potential transfer of dual-use technologies. Reports have identified partnerships involving engineering and advanced research with potential military applications.
-
The IRGC in the UK
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is widely regarded as the central driver of Iran’s overseas operations, including intelligence activity and support for proxy groups. Yet it is still not banned in the UK.
CUFI believes it should be. If you agree, add your name to the campaign at www.cufi.org.uk/IRGC
———————-
For Britain, the challenge is not only to respond to individual incidents, but to recognise and address the bigger picture of the threat from the Iranian regime to the United Kingdom.
