Iran’s diplomatic mission in London has been accused of encouraging the recruitment of children for “martyrdom” in a campaign calling on Iranians abroad to “sacrifice their lives for the homeland”, prompting calls for urgent government intervention.
A post shared on the embassy’s Telegram channel reportedly urged more than 100,000 Iranians to take part in the “Sacrificing Life for the Homeland Campaign”, encouraging registration through official Iranian government systems and explicitly referencing the involvement of children.
The message, linked to the Embassy of Iran in London, has triggered political and security concerns in Westminster, with critics warning it risks turning the UK into a recruitment space for extremist activity.
The message, which was first seen by the Metro, reads: “All brave and distinguished children of Iran are invited to participate consciously and register in this campaign, adding another golden page to the book of honours of this ancient land and demonstrating that their hearts are bound to the dignity and greatness of their homeland.”
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel described the post as “appalling”, calling on ministers and police to intervene immediately and summon the Iranian ambassador over what she said was an attempt to use Britain as a recruitment ground.
She urged the Government to adopt a tougher stance, arguing that national security risks posed by Iranian activity in the UK required a stronger response from Downing Street.
Priti added: “Keir Starmer should show some backbone and summon the Iranian ambassador to explain himself.
“The Home Secretary and the police must immediately investigate and intervene to ensure the British people are kept safe.”
The Metropolitan Police has already warned of Iranian-linked networks operating in Britain, with counter-terrorism officers making 26 arrests since late March amid concerns over proxy activity and potential plotting.
The campaign referenced in the post is linked to Iran’s Mikhak system, an online portal used by Iranian citizens abroad for administrative services, including passports and civil documentation.
The embassy’s messaging has drawn strong criticism from activists and campaign groups, who say it reflects an escalation in rhetoric from Tehran’s institutions abroad.
Helen Blake, co-founder of United4Mahsa, said the post demonstrated the Iranian regime was increasingly turning to online channels to mobilise support internationally, warning it should be treated as a serious security signal.
She also urged the Government to halt engagement with the Iranian state and move ahead with proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
She added: “This should be yet another clear alarm to Keir Starmer and the Labour Government to not hold any negotiations with the Islamic Republic’s regime and proceed with the proscription of the IRGC, the entity that is currently running the country.”
A spokesman for the Iranian Embassy told Metro: “Iranians around the world have always cared deeply about their homeland and the protection of its territorial integrity, and they always will.
“The ‘Jan Fada’ platform is intended for all Iranians who wish to support and defend their country, and it does not promote any form of hostility. Any claims or assumptions to the contrary are simply unfounded.
“Such biased judgments are made hastily and without proper understanding.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously pledged to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the next parliamentary session.
In response to criticism, the Iranian Embassy said the campaign was intended for Iranians wishing to support their country and rejected claims it promoted hostility, insisting interpretations of the post were “unfounded”.
The row is likely to intensify pressure on ministers as concerns grow over foreign influence operations and security risks linked to Iran’s diplomatic presence in the UK.
A Government spokesman said: “We take the safety of the public incredibly seriously and investigate all allegations of threat thoroughly.
“We are clear-eyed about the threats posed by Iran, and our first priority is protecting British interests and British lives both in the UK and overseas.
“Work is well underway to bring forward proscription-like powers to clamp down on malign state activity.”
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