Iranian journalists in London, the target of threats and attacks: “We forced ourselves to ignore these things, otherwise we would go crazy”
Iranian journalists working in London for media outlets critical of the regime in Tehran say they are facing a wave of threats, intimidation and physical attacks, which they attribute to Iranian authorities.
Psychological pressure has become part of their daily life. PHOTO: X/@Archange_Shadow
Among the targets are newsrooms such as Iran International and BBC Persian, publications considered by the Iranian opposition to be critical of the regime in Tehran.
Attempted arson in London
This week, Iran International's London headquarters were targeted by an arson attack after a lit container was thrown into the car park of a nearby building, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The incident comes amid repeated complaints by journalists of constant threats and attempts at intimidation.
“We have become accustomed to fear”
Several Iran International employees say that psychological pressure has become part of their daily lives.
“We forced ourselves to ignore these things, otherwise we would end up in the mental hospital,” said a journalist, describing a permanent climate of fear, according to The Guardian.
Another journalist claims that his family in Iran has been threatened by security services, who allegedly sent threatening messages and photos of his home in London.
Direct threats and assassination attempts
In recent years, several Iranian journalists in the diaspora have been targeted by kidnapping attempts or attacks. In 2024, TV presenter Pouria Zeraati was stabbed outside her home in London. He survived the attack and had to relocate for safety.
Journalists say threats have escalated since tensions between Israel and Iran since June 2025 and amid violent protests in Iran.
Pressure on families in Iran as well
Several BBC Persian reporters say Iranian authorities have threatened their families with serious charges, including “enmity against God” – a crime punishable by capital punishment.
“I cried for three days after talking to my family because I was so worried about them. Here in London, no matter how careful you are, you don't feel safe anymore. You live and work here in the UK and suddenly you find the violence has come here too. It's really scary.” said a journalist.
Warnings from experts
Security experts and human rights organizations warn that such cases are part of a wider pattern of “transnational repression”, in which states would use intermediaries to intimidate dissidents abroad.
According to the researchers, some members of the diaspora would act as informal agents of the state, helping to spread intimidation in communities across Europe.
An activist supporting threatened journalists says many of them live under constant pressure and feel unsafe even in their daily activities, including taking their children to school.
“I'm not getting the protection I need relative to the level of threats,” he warned.
