Iran summoned the British ambassador to Tehran on Thursday to protest what it described as “false and baseless accusations” made by British officials after a London court sentenced two Romanian men for a 2024 knife attack on an Iranian journalist. The diplomatic move marks the latest escalation in already strained relations between Tehran and London following the court’s conclusion that the attack was carried out on behalf of the Iranian government.
According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, the Foreign Ministry formally conveyed its protest to the British ambassador, accusing the United Kingdom of taking an “inappropriate approach” toward Iran. Tehran rejected Britain’s allegations and insisted they lacked evidence. The summons came days after a UK court sentenced the two convicted attackers to 12 years and eight years in prison for stabbing journalist Pouria Zeraati outside his London home.
During the sentencing, the judge said the evidence “overwhelmingly” showed the attack had been carried out on behalf of the Iranian government. British Security Minister Angela Eagle echoed that conclusion, describing the assault as “abhorrent” and saying the UK would continue to hold Iran accountable for actions that threaten people living in Britain. Iranian authorities have repeatedly denied any involvement in the attack.
Iran also criticized Britain’s decision to allow Iran International, a London-based Persian-language television broadcaster, to continue operating. IRNA said Tehran accused the broadcaster of encouraging violence and terrorism and argued that Britain was failing to meet its international obligations by hosting what it described as hostile media organizations. Iran designated Iran International and the BBC’s Persian-language service as terrorist organizations in 2022, a classification rejected by the UK and other Western governments.
The dispute highlights broader tensions between the two countries, whose relations have been marked by disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions, regional security and allegations of plots targeting Iranian dissidents and journalists abroad. Britain has repeatedly raised concerns over what it says are Iranian-backed threats on UK soil, while Tehran has dismissed those claims as politically motivated.
Diplomatic analysts say summoning an ambassador is a formal expression of protest that signals serious disagreement but does not necessarily indicate a breakdown in diplomatic relations. The latest exchange is expected to further complicate UK-Iran ties as both governments continue to trade accusations, while international observers stress the importance of protecting journalists, respecting diplomatic channels and resolving disputes through international law.
