Britain Iran Diplomat Summoned After Attack Case

Britain has summoned Iran's chargé d'affaires following the sentencing of two men for the stabbing of an Iranian journalist in London. The move comes after a British court found that the attack was carried out on behalf of the Iranian state, raising fresh diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it takes threats linked to Iran very seriously. A government spokesperson said any actions that threaten the United Kingdom's sovereignty and national security are unacceptable and called on Iran to stop such activities immediately.

Iran's chargé d'affaires in London, Ali Nasimfar, was summoned to meet Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer on Tuesday. The meeting followed last week's sentencing of two Romanian nationals over the attack that took place in March 2024.

A British judge sentenced 21-year-old Nandito Badea and 25-year-old George Stana to prison for their roles in the stabbing. During the court proceedings, the judge concluded that the assault had been carried out on behalf of the Iranian state.

According to prosecutors, the two men attacked Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati as he was leaving his home in Wimbledon, southwest London, on March 29, 2024. Zeraati works for Iran International, a Persian-language television broadcaster based in the United Kingdom.

Authorities said the journalist survived the attack and later received medical treatment. Investigators launched a major inquiry that led to the identification and prosecution of the two suspects.

British officials have repeatedly expressed concern about alleged threats targeting journalists, dissidents, and other individuals living in the United Kingdom. The government says it is committed to protecting people from intimidation and violence regardless of where the threats originate.

The latest diplomatic action reflects growing concern over foreign-linked security incidents on British soil. While Iran has not publicly responded to Britain's latest move, the case is expected to remain a point of tension in relations between London and Tehran.

British authorities continue to investigate threats linked to foreign states and say they will take further action when necessary to protect national security and uphold the rule of law. The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and ensuring journalists can work without fear of violence or intimidation.