Key facts
- The UK summoned Iran's Chargé d'Affaires in London.
- The summons followed the sentencing of two Romanian nationals for attacking journalist Pouria Zeraati.
- A judge found the attack was carried out on behalf of the Iranian state.
- One defendant met the foreign power condition under the National Security Act 2023.
- The UK stated Iran's actions are unacceptable and must cease.
The United Kingdom has summoned Iran's Chargé d'Affaires in London following the sentencing of two Romanian nationals for their involvement in an attack on Iran International journalist Pouria Zeraati in March 2024. A judge determined that the attack was carried out on behalf of the Iranian state, a finding that prompted the diplomatic summons.
During the sentencing, Nandito Badea and George Stana, both Romanian nationals, received jail terms of eight and 12 years, respectively. Prosecutors stated the men were acting as proxies for the Iranian government. The judge, Bobbie Cheema-Grubb, concluded that the evidence overwhelmingly pointed to the attack being state-sponsored, with one defendant, George Stana, meeting the foreign power condition under the National Security Act 2023.
In response, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated that Iran's actions undermine UK sovereignty and security and are unacceptable, demanding an immediate cessation of such activities. The FCDO emphasized its commitment to protecting national security and media freedom. Iran's embassy in London has previously rejected similar allegations as politically motivated.