Suspect in Iran-linked stabbing of journalist says friend carried out the attack

A man accused of carrying out a stabbing attack on Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati in March 2024 has claimed his friend was responsible. Zeraati was stabbed three times in the attack, which prosecutors allege was ordered by Iran. The case is now before the courts.

A suspect charged in connection with the stabbing of Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati has told a court that it was his friend, not himself, who carried out the attack. Zeraati, who works for Iran International — a Persian-language television channel based in London — was left with three stab wounds following the assault in March 2024.

Prosecutors allege the attack was orchestrated on behalf of the Iranian government, framing the incident as part of a broader pattern of Tehran-linked operations targeting dissidents and journalists abroad. The accused has disputed his role, insisting he was not the person who physically stabbed the journalist.

Zeraati survived the attack and has since continued his work. Iran International has previously reported receiving numerous threats, and several of its staff have been placed under UK police protection amid concerns about Iranian state-sponsored targeting of the channel's journalists.

The case highlights growing concerns among Western governments about alleged Iranian intelligence operations on European soil. UK authorities have in recent years pointed to a series of plots linked to Iran targeting journalists, activists, and opposition figures living in Britain.