A Better Newspaper

## Overview Three men were arrested following an arson attack on the London premises of Iran International, a Persian-language broadcaster, on or around April 16, 2026 (CPJ, April 17). The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on UK authorities to fully investigate the attack and implement additional protection for journalists at the outlet (CPJ, April 17). ## Background on Iran International Iran International is a London-based Persian-language satellite television channel that provides news coverage critical of the Iranian government. The outlet and its journalists have faced a sustained campaign of threats and intimidation from the Iranian regime, which has previously been linked to plots against journalists and staff. The attack occurred against the backdrop of the US-Israel-Iran war and the recent Strait of Hormuz blockade standoff, a period of heightened Iranian government aggression across multiple domains. ## Pattern of Targeting Iran International has been a repeated target. UK security services (MI5) previously assessed credible Iranian state threats against the outlet's staff, leading to significant security upgrades and, at one point, temporary suspension of broadcasts from London studios. The April 2026 arson attack suggests the threat environment has intensified despite prior protective measures. ## CPJ Position The CPJ called for: 1. Full investigation of the arson attack (CPJ, April 17) 2. Additional protection measures for Iran International journalists (CPJ, April 17) ## Broader Context The attack fits within a documented pattern of Iranian state-linked transnational repression targeting diaspora media. Other Persian-language and exile media outlets across Europe have faced similar threats. The timing — during active US-Iran military hostilities — raises the risk level for Iranian dissident and exile journalists globally. ## Legal & Policy Implications - UK counterterrorism and foreign interference law may apply if Iranian state involvement is established - Potential diplomatic consequences for UK-Iran relations in the context of ongoing ceasefire negotiations - Precedent for how democracies respond to state-sponsored attacks on press freedom within their borders