Pouria Zeraati, a journalist for Iran International, was attacked outside his London home amid heightened threats

Pouria Zeraati, a 36-year-old host for the London-based Persian-language TV channel Iran International, faced a violent attack outside his residence. A group reportedly stabbed Zeraati repeatedly. Iran International is known for its comprehensive coverage of the 2022 anti-government protests in Iran. This incident has sparked a counter-terrorism investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

Zeraati’s condition stabilized in the hospital. The police are exploring all possible motives behind this brutal act. Counter-terrorism officers took over due to Zeraati’s role and previous threats against journalists from this media outlet. Commander Dominic Murphy of the Met’s counter-terrorism unit highlighted the deployment of extra patrols as a precautionary measure.

No arrests have been made yet. This attack follows a history of threats against Iran International journalists. In late 2022, the channel heightened its security in London in response to state-backed threats from Iran. The channel even relocated its studios to Washington DC temporarily, citing these threats.

The Iranian government had previously accused Iran International of inciting unrest during the protests. Consequently, Iran declared the channel a terrorist organization. The Metropolitan Police revealed that, since early 2022, there have been multiple foiled plots against UK-based individuals perceived as hostile to the Iranian regime.

The international community has reacted with concern. Tory MP Alicia Kearns expressed dismay over the attack and critiqued the adequacy of protective strategies against such threats. Sanctions have been imposed on certain members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by the UK, targeting those involved in plotting attacks against individuals on UK soil