Iran Linked to London Arson Spree, Police Confirm

London police are investigating a string of arson incidents aimed at Jewish institutions and an Iranian dissident media company, with detectives saying the attacks appear to have been organised over several weeks and carried out by criminals allegedly paid on behalf of Iran. Authorities said the pattern of incidents escalated last week, prompting a heightened response from specialist units.

Police said there have been 15 arrests connected to six incidents since March 23 . The most recent case took place on Saturday evening at a synagogue in Harrow , in north-west London . Officers arrested two teenagers, aged 17 and 19 , on suspicion of arson after a petrol bomb caused minor damage, police said.

Counter-terrorism policing has taken charge of the investigation because authorities suspect the involvement of a foreign state. Investigators believe those responsible were recruited and directed online, according to officials. Police said the alleged organisers used digital channels to identify and task individuals to carry out the attacks.

A group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right) has claimed responsibility, authorities said. Officials said the group posted propaganda videos of the attacks on Telegram . The same group has also claimed similar attacks in North Macedonia , Germany , the Netherlands , and Belgium , according to the information cited by police.

Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes of the Metropolitan Police said the possibility that a foreign state could use such methods to inflame tensions is “deeply concerning,” according to his remarks. The incidents have increased anxiety among British Jewish communities , which authorities said have faced a significant rise in antisemitism since October 2023 .

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, saying assaults on the Jewish community are unacceptable. The investigation continues, and police have not publicly detailed how they link the alleged payments and direction to Iran, leaving key elements of attribution and command-and-control unclear as inquiries proceed.