Pouria Zeraati, an Iranian journalist working in London, was stabbed outside his home and has called on the UK government to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati, who works for the broadcaster Iran International, was attacked in London on March 29, suffering a stabbing outside his home in Wimbledon. Zeraati recounted the incident, noting two men approached him demanding money before one of them stabbed him in the leg, and fled without taking anything. He believes the attack was related to his journalistic work, particularly his critical coverage of issues in Iran.
Following the incident, Zeraati has publicly urged the UK government to classify Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. He highlighted the IRGC’s history of destabilizing actions in the Middle East and threats to individuals abroad, including similar attacks in Europe, suggesting a pattern that links back to the paramilitary group. Despite his recovery, Zeraati stressed the ongoing mental scars from the attack.
The UK has already imposed sanctions on numerous Iranian entities and individuals, including parts of the IRGC. However, calls for a comprehensive designation of the IRGC as a terrorist group have intensified, especially after recent regional escalations involving Iran. Zeraati, alongside other activists, has criticised the UK government’s hesitancy in this matter, citing national security concerns and the safety of Iranian nationals in the UK.
The Metropolitan Police are investigating the stabbing, with indications that the attackers may have left the UK shortly after the incident. Iran International has reported receiving threats from within Iran, although Iranian authorities have denied any involvement in the attack. As the debate over the IRGC’s status continues, Zeraati has returned to his professional duties amid ongoing concerns for his and others’ safety.
