On Thursday, Iran strongly denied any involvement in an alleged plan to attack the Israeli embassy in London, and termed these claims “baseless” and an attempt to distort Iran’s image internationally.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued this statement following British intelligence officials’ disclosure earlier this week of an alleged plot targeting Israeli diplomatic staff in the UK, believed to have connections to Iranian operatives or their affiliates – allegations which have further escalated diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Western powers amid growing regional instability.
“We categorically reject these unfounded allegations,” stated Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has never participated in or supported acts of terrorism; these accusations are simply designed to serve Israel at an inconvenient time.”
On Tuesday, British counterterrorism authorities, working together with MI5 and the Metropolitan Police, revealed they had successfully foiled what they called a credible threat against Israel’s Embassy in London. Although officials did not name suspects specifically, unnamed sources cited by local media suggest Iranian-linked groups are currently being probed.
The UK Home Office has declined to provide specific details, citing the ongoing nature of its investigation. However, Home Secretary James Cleverly confirmed that security had been tightened around several diplomatic facilities located within London and that the UK government remains closely coordinated with Israel and other allied countries.
Israel’s foreign ministry issued a swift yet pointed response to this reported plot by thanking British authorities for their prompt action, and noting: “The threat posed by Iranian-sponsored terrorism continues to endanger Israeli citizens and diplomats abroad.
Iran, already subject to intense scrutiny for its regional activities and suspected support of militant groups, views this move by Western powers as justification of further pressure, particularly regarding their nuclear program and role in the Middle East.
Kanaani cautioned, “This is part of an aggressive propaganda campaign designed to demonize Iran,” adding: “We implore the UK government not to fall for false intelligence claims and take all appropriate precautions when acting upon any intelligence reports that might come their way.”
This incident comes amid global tensions following recent flare-ups between Israel and Iranian-backed groups in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza. Experts caution that such allegations–whether true or not–could further strain diplomatic relationships and undermine efforts toward regional de-escalation.
As investigations proceed, both Iran and the UK remain under close international observation as many seek clarity, accountability, and any wider implications for Middle Eastern diplomacy.