The Iranian embassy in London has issued a call for Iranian nationals residing in the United Kingdom to be prepared to “sacrifice their lives for the Homeland,” in a concerning call-to-action broadcast to a large audience.
Iranian diplomats have urged the Iranian community in the UK to be willing to give up their lives for Iran as part of a new initiative aimed at safeguarding Iranian territory.
The recruitment drive, disseminated through the Iranian consulate’s website and an official Iranian government Telegram channel, encourages Iranians to express their interest in participating in the campaign of martyrdom. The message also highlights the recruitment of “children” for this purpose.
This recruitment effort, labeled as ‘appalling’ by UK shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel, has prompted calls for intervention by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, law enforcement, and the Home Office.
The message, shared on the official Telegram channel of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in London, invites Iranian expatriates in the UK to register for the “Patriotism Campaign” to demonstrate their loyalty and national pride effectively.
The recruitment message quotes a patriotic verse from the Shahnameh, a renowned Persian literary work, urging all Iranians to dedicate themselves to defending their homeland rather than succumbing to the enemy.
Concerns have been raised by the London-based advocacy group United4Mahsa over the embassy’s call for martyrdom among the Iranian diaspora in the UK. The group emphasizes the need for UK authorities to address this issue promptly.
Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel has condemned the Iranian embassy’s attempt to recruit individuals in the UK, urging government action to ensure public safety.
A UK government spokesperson emphasized the seriousness with which threats are investigated and reiterated the commitment to safeguarding British interests and citizens from potential risks posed by Iran.
The so-called Sacrificed Life Campaign by Iran, promoted through Telegram and the Persian version of the UK embassy website, solicits individuals willing to sacrifice for their homeland.
The Iranian Embassy has clarified that the campaign aims to support and defend Iran without promoting hostility, dismissing any unfounded allegations to the contrary.
The Home Office and the UK Counter Terrorism Policing unit have been approached for comments on the matter.