The Metropolitan Police has launched a counter-terrorism assessment after the Iranian embassy in London reportedly urged Iranians living in the UK to “sacrifice their lives for the homeland” in a post circulated on social media.
Specialist officers are now examining the message, which appeared on a Telegram channel linked to the embassy, to determine whether any criminal thresholds have been met or further action is required.
The post allegedly called on Iranians abroad to take part in a so-called “janfada” or self-sacrifice campaign, and even referenced children joining the initiative, prompting concern among officials and diaspora groups.
The move has also triggered a diplomatic response, with the Foreign Office summoning Iran’s ambassador to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, for discussions.
Middle East minister Hamish Falconer told the envoy that the comments were “completely unacceptable” and demanded that the embassy cease any communications that could be interpreted as encouraging violence.
The Government said it would “take all measures” necessary to protect people in the UK and would continue to challenge what it described as Iran’s “brutal and repressive regime”.
The disputed post reportedly invited Iranians to register through the Mikhak system, an online portal operated by Iran’s foreign ministry and commonly used for consular services such as passports and civil documentation.
It also referred to defending Iran against what it described as an “American-Zionist enemy” and framed participation in the campaign as a patriotic duty, using language drawn from classical Persian poetry.
The messaging has drawn criticism from Iranian diaspora groups in the UK, with one British-Iranian woman describing it as “deeply troubling” and accusing the regime of using nationalist rhetoric to encourage extreme forms of mobilisation abroad.
Campaign group United4Mahsa said the post underscored the need for tougher UK action against Tehran, including proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Government has already indicated plans to move towards banning the IRGC in the next parliamentary session.
In response, an Iranian embassy spokesman rejected the allegations, insisting the “Jan Fada” platform was intended for those wishing to support Iran and did not promote hostility or violence.
“Iranians around the world have always cared deeply about their homeland,” the statement said, adding that criticism of the campaign was based on “hasty and unfounded” assumptions.
A spokesman for Counter Terrorism Policing said officers were in the process of assessing the post to determine whether further action may be required.
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