British counterterrorism police are investigating whether a series of arson attacks on Jewish sites across London were carried out by Iranian proxies, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The Metropolitan Police said officers from its counterterrorism unit are examining fires set at multiple synagogues and other buildings connected to the Jewish community. An attack on a Persian-language media company is also part of the investigation, suggesting a possible coordinated effort, according to the South China Morning Post.
No injuries have been reported in connection with any of the blazes, police said.
Chief rabbi warns of 'campaign of violence'
The investigation has drawn sharp concern from Jewish community leaders. The United Kingdom's chief rabbi stated that British Jews are facing what he described as a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation, signaling the attacks represent more than isolated incidents.
The suspected Iranian connection places the attacks within a broader pattern of alleged Iranian-linked operations on British soil. UK security services have previously warned about threats from Iranian state actors and affiliated groups targeting dissidents, journalists, and members of minority communities living in Britain.
Escalating concern over foreign interference
The inclusion of a Persian-language broadcaster among the targeted sites has reinforced concerns among investigators that the attacks may be tied to foreign state interests rather than domestic extremism alone. Persian-language media outlets operating in the UK have previously reported pressure and threats linked to Iranian authorities.
The Metropolitan Police has not publicly named specific suspects or formally attributed the attacks to any group or state. Investigations of this nature typically involve close coordination with MI5, the UK's domestic intelligence service.
The attacks come amid heightened tensions surrounding the conflict in the Middle East and growing international scrutiny of Iran's alleged use of proxy networks to conduct operations in Western countries.
UK officials have not yet released details on the number of separate incidents under investigation or the precise locations of all affected sites. Further updates from the Metropolitan Police are expected as the investigation develops.
