Iran International welcomes UK move to counter Iran threats

Armored police vehicles are seen outside the former headquarters of Iran International on November 19, 2022.
Armored police vehicles are seen outside the former headquarters of Iran International on November 19, 2022.

Iran International has welcomed the UK government's decision to place the Islamic Republic’s intelligence and security establishment on the highest tier of its foreign influence watchlist following threats to the network’s journalists over the past three years.

The upgrading of Iran to the highest tier of the United Kingdom's Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) announced on March 4, is due to be rolled out in the summer. Evidence has emerged in recent years of pervasive security threats emanating from the government in Tehran against independent journalists based in the UK.

Under the designation, Iran and anybody acting on its behalf would be deemed a potential security threat and compelled to register their activities in the UK. Not doing so would potentially incur a five-year prison sentence.

Iran International is a Persian-language TV news network that broadcasts 24/7 and has a strong following in Iran, despite government efforts to restrict access to the internet and satellite signals.

The statement appreciating the UK Government’s step said, “Iran International and its journalists have been targeted by Tehran’s security apparatus, facing intimidation, surveillance, and direct threats to their lives.”

In February 2023, the network relocated its studio and broadcast operations to Washington, DC, three months after the police raised alarm of direct threats and provided protection at its London headquarters. Most of its broadcast operations later returned to a new location in London.

“We support the UK Government’s decision to place the entire Iranian state, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), on the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS). This decision is an important step in preventing attacks on our journalists in the UK and their families in Iran,” the network said.

The network also emphasized its role as a necessary news source for the Iranian people and said it will not be intimidated.

“Iran International remains steadfast in its commitment to independent journalism. We will not be silenced by threats, intimidation, or state-backed violence.”