Iranian Embassy accused of promoting ‘martyrdom’ sign-up drive to UK supporters

The Iranian Embassy in London is facing scrutiny after reportedly promoting a programme encouraging supporters living in Britain to register for a so-called “martyrdom” initiative linked to the regime, prompting renewed concerns about national security and extremist influence on UK soil.

According to an exclusive report by the Daily Mail, a message shared via the embassy’s official Telegram channel called on “proud Iranian compatriots residing in Britain” to sign up to the “Jan Fada” programme – translated as “sacrificing life” – which it said was aimed at those wishing to support the defence of Iran.

The post, written in Farsi, reportedly appealed to “all brave and noble children of Iran” who had a “desire for the people’s defence of the land of Iran” to come forward.

In one section, the message stated: “Let us all, to a man, give our bodies to be slain; For it is better than giving our country to the enemy.”

Roger Macmillan, former director of security at Iran International, a London-based dissident broadcaster, told the Daily Mail: “It is horrific the fact that this is on UK soil.

“This is an attempt at radicalisation online of people who could be persuaded by the regime to commit acts in support of the Islamic Republic in the UK.

“This is a significant threat to security and to our whole way of life. It is a way of finding out who is supportive of the regime. They are not going back to Iran, it is for here in the UK.”

Macmillan also warned the campaign could be part of a broader attempt to identify sympathisers willing to support the regime beyond Iran’s borders.

The Mail reported that the programme directs users to Iran’s Foreign Ministry website, where sign-ups are processed through the Mikhak system – an official online consular platform used by Iranian nationals abroad for passport renewals, legal documents and other state services.

Critics argue that linking a political or ideological campaign to a consular system used for essential services may place pressure on members of the Iranian diaspora or blur the distinction between diplomatic outreach and state influence.

Dr Nadeh Fallah, of the Iranian Human Rights & Allies group, told the Mail the programme should act as a “wake-up call” for the UK Government to formally proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

He said: “This is utterly unacceptable and deeply alarming.

“We already know the Iranian regime has been targeting individuals in the UK and beyond – this is just the latest, most brazen example of that activity taking place in plain sight.

“This kind of messaging is not benign. It is designed to appeal to the most hardline, ideologically driven individuals and to encourage a dangerous culture of fanaticism and martyrdom.”

Security fears have intensified in recent months following a number of incidents under investigation for potential links to Tehran or Iranian-backed groups.

These include an arson attack at a synagogue in north-west London, firebomb attacks targeting Jewish-owned ambulances, and threats targeted at Jewish organisations and pro-Israel activists.

A spokesperson for the Iranian Embassy in London denied that the initiative promotes violence or hostility.

According to the Mail, the embassy said: “Iranians around the world have always cared deeply about their homeland and the protection of its territorial integrity, and they always will.

The ‘Jan Fada’ platform is intended for all Iranians who wish to support and defend their country, and it does not promote any form of hostility.

“Any claims or assumptions to the contrary are simply unfounded.”