Iran International’s TV presenter, Pouria Zeraati, has reported that he is “feeling much better” after being approached by a man asking for change and subsequently stabbed.
Iran International’s Pouria Zeraati says he was approached by a man asking for change before he was stabbed.
Pouria Zeraati has returned to the screen at the London-based Iranian outlet after the stabbing incident last month. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he recounted being stabbed by two assailants as he approached his car. Additionally, Mr. Zeraati expressed support for the proscription of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization in the UK.
In a conversation with Today’s Mishal Husain, Mr. Zeraati discussed his ongoing physical recovery, noting that the mental healing process requires more time.
Recalling the incident outside his Wimbledon home, the 36-year-old recounted, “On March 29th, as I was heading to my car to go to the studio, I encountered a suspicious-looking man. He approached me under the guise of asking for change. While I was explaining that I didn’t have any, and reaching to unlock my car door, another man joined him.”
“They seized me forcefully from the front, rendering my hands immobile. The first assailant then stabbed me in the leg. In a swift move, they fled the scene, leaving all my belongings intact, including my phones, watch, AirPods, wallet, and cash.”
“When I realized that all my possessions were intact, I understood that the incident pertained to my job rather than being a robbery. Mr. Zeraati was transported to the hospital and subsequently released. He is presently residing in a secure location under the supervision of the police. The Metropolitan Police stated that both individuals fled in a vehicle driven by a third male.”
They journeyed to Heathrow Airport shortly afterward, with authorities stating that the three suspects had departed the UK.
The reason behind Mr. Zeraati’s attack remains unclear, according to detectives. The Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command is spearheading the investigation, prompted by prior threats against Iran International.
In January of this year, the Foreign Office imposed sanctions on members of the IRGC following an ITV investigation uncovering plans to assassinate two presenters of the channel in the UK.
The Iranian charge d’affaires in the UK, who heads its diplomatic mission, has rejected any connection between the Iranian regime and the attack on Mr. Zeraati.
Despite being labeled a “terrorist organization” by the Tehran regime and facing threats from the Ministry of Intelligence, Iran International claims to offer impartial and unrestricted coverage of events within the country. Despite these challenges, Mr. Zeraati resumed broadcasting his show on April 5th, expressing determination with the phrase, “The show must go on.”
The IRGC, or Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was established four decades ago with the purpose of safeguarding Iran’s Islamic system and serving as a counterbalance to the regular armed forces.
The IRGC, a powerful paramilitary group in the Middle East, has become a significant military, political, and economic entity in Iran, closely aligned with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The organization also oversees the Iranian government’s clandestine foreign operations and has previously been associated with schemes involving kidnapping and assassination in the UK.
He stated, “Engaging in actions such as targeting individuals beyond Iran’s borders and holding US, British, and European citizens captive… it strongly suggests they meet the criteria of a terrorist organization.”
“As for the delay in decisions by the UK and the European Union, I believe it’s entirely driven by political motives.”
Suella Braverman, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, and some Labour MPs are backing the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization in the UK, urging Rishi Sunak to take action after Iran’s attack on Israel. This would involve adding the IRGC to a list of banned groups, which currently includes Islamists and far-right terrorists.
Justice Minister Laura Farris stated that Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron wanted to maintain direct communication with Iran, which could be compromised by banning military force.
Former MI6 head Sir John Sawers shared on BBC Radio 4’s Today program that he also believed banning the IRGC wasn’t necessary, as counter-terrorism laws are designed for terrorist groups, not states. Sawers emphasized that professionals in the government aren’t advocating for this move, seeing it as more of a rhetorical stance from various political factions without substantial consideration.
The road to recovery has been tough, but I’ve found strength in the kindness of others and the resilience of the human spirit. I’m so thankful for the amazing medical care and the unwavering support of my friends and family. It’s been a tough time, but I’m determined to come out of this even stronger. Thank you all for being a part of my journey. Stay tuned for updates on my progress and more positive vibes. Much love, [Presenter’s Name]
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