Iran could recruit sleeper agents in Britain who are 'motivated to kill Jews' to carry out terror attacks, experts have warned. The UK national threat level was raised from 'substantial' to 'severe', meaning an attack is now 'highly likely' within the next six months, after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London, on April 29.
Britain could be under threat from mass killings similar to the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing to 'stoke fear' amongst Jewish communities. Alexander Greenberg, an Iran expert at the Jerusalem Institute for Security and Strategy, said: 'The raised terror alert doesn't say a lot about the UK's capacity to prevent attacks despite knowing that attacks could be imminent.'
'Hostility against Jews or Israel is hardwired into the logic of the Iranian regime. Mass casualty attacks are definitely likely.' The regime prefers these types of attacks, as they are easier to recruit for and deny responsibility if caught. Iran is active on social media seeking proxies who are against Jews or Israel, targeting individuals motivated to kill Jews.
Mr Greenberg warned that Iran could supply 'lone wolf' terrorists with weapons, money, and instructions for mass killings, such as bombings, while maintaining deniability. He also highlighted the risk of regime sympathisers acting autonomously to attack Jews in Iran's name. 'The goal is for it to be unprovable that Iran has backed attacks carried out by proxies or Iran-affiliated groups,' he said.
Dr Charlotte Littlewood, UK researcher for the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, stated that Iran is spreading anti-semitic beliefs at grassroots levels to build foundations for violence. She described a two-level operation: infrastructure-building through IRGC preaching, children's radicalisation, academic infiltration, and Al Quds Day marches, alongside state-directed violence from above.
MI5 raised the UK's terror threat level after the Golders Green stabbing. Essa Suleiman, 45, has been charged with attempted murder. The Home Office noted the increase is due to broader Islamist and extreme right-wing threats, not solely the attack. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged vigilance, assuring that security services are working to keep the country safe.
Synagogues and Jewish businesses have been targeted by arson attacks, with the pro-Iran group HAYI claiming responsibility. Counter-terror police are investigating whether Iranian proxies are involved. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the tactic of recruiting criminal proxies for quick cash is being considered.
A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson criticised the government for not banning the IRGC or expelling the Iranian ambassador. The Home Office responded by emphasising measures against Iran, including sanctioning the IRGC and introducing new powers to clamp down on hostile activity by foreign states.
