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Caroline Hawley, a BBC diplomatic correspondent, reported that the United Kingdom is facing a growing and unpredictable threat from Iran, as highlighted by Parliament’s intelligence and security committee. The committee recently released a report following a major inquiry that delved into Iranian state activities such as assassinations, kidnappings, espionage, cyber attacks, and the country’s nuclear program. Despite the report’s cut-off point in August 2023, the findings are still deemed relevant in the face of ongoing threats.
Lord Beamish, chair of the committee, emphasized the persistent and varied threat that Iran poses to the UK, its citizens, and interests. He pointed out Iran’s willingness to take risks in its offensive activities and its well-equipped intelligence services. While acknowledging that Iran’s threats may not be on the same scale as those from Russia and China, the committee underscored the need for a more proactive and long-term approach to address the national security risks emanating from Iran.
The committee expressed concerns that the UK government has been primarily focused on crisis management in the face of threats from Iran, particularly regarding its nuclear program, at the expense of other looming dangers. The report emphasized the increased physical threats faced by dissidents and opponents of the Iranian regime residing in the UK, as well as heightened risks to Jewish and Israeli interests. The committee cited at least 15 attempted attacks against British nationals since the beginning of 2022.
The rise in physical threats against individuals in the UK was attributed to the internal insecurities within the Iranian regime, fueled by domestic protests. MI5 revealed persistent targeting of Iranian media organizations operating in the UK, including Iran International, BBC Persian, and Manoto TV. The report also highlighted the harrowing experiences reported by family members of BBC Persian journalists in Iran, who faced severe harassment due to their affiliations with the organization. The committee’s comprehensive 260-page report, released as part of its inquiry into security issues related to Iran, is now awaiting the government’s response within 60 days of publication
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