UK Minister Welcomes Iran International’s Reopening In London

Tom Tugendhat, UK's security minister and an MP, welcomed the reopening of Iran International's office in London, after threats had led to a temporary relocation earlier this year.

In a post on social media platform X in Persian, Tugendhat addressed Iran International saying, "Welcome back."

Following security threats emanating from Iranian agents against Iran International last year, Tugendhat was among British officials who provided extensive support to the network.

After the closure of Iran International's London office, Tugendhat strongly condemned the Iranian government's threats against the network in a parliamentary session, stating that the UK would continue to support the network and provide a secure space for its activities.

The Deputy Security Minister of the United Kingdom, in another response to threats against Iran International's staff, addressed Persian-language journalists on Twitter in February, saying, "Welcome to Britain; we will keep you safe."

Iran International resumed its broadcasts from its new studio in London on Monday after moving all broadcast operation to Washington DC.

Mahmoud Enayat, the General Manager of Iran International TV, stated in a message celebrating the resumption of the network's activities from its new building in London: "Britain is the home of free speech. The resumption of our programs from this country is evidence that we will not abandon independent and uncensored journalism to the people of Iran."

Previously, when Iran International reported credible threats against its journalists by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in November, James Cleverly, the UK's Foreign Secretary, summoned Mehdi Hosseini Matin, Iran's Charge d'Affaires in London.