British counterterrorism authorities are currently investigating whether Iranian proxies might be responsible for a recent series of arson attacks targeting Jewish locations in London. This follows a warning from a chief rabbi about the increasing frequency of such incidents.
The Metropolitan Police have assigned specialized counterterror officers to look into the fires that have occurred at synagogues, Jewish-affiliated sites, and a Persian-language media outlet known for its criticism of Iran’s government.
The most recent attack took place on Saturday night, causing minor damage to a synagogue in north London. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries from any of the fires, which have all occurred within a relatively small area.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans stated that the investigation is considering claims from a group named Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which has claimed responsibility for several attacks. The group’s name translates to the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right.
Police were seen patrolling near the Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow, a London suburb, on April 19, 2026. (Photo by Jamie Lashmar/PA)
“We are aware of public reports suggesting this group may have ties to Iran. Naturally, we will continue to investigate this aspect thoroughly as our inquiry progresses,” Evans remarked.
“I’ve spoken previously about the Iranian regime’s use of criminal proxies, and we’re considering whether this tactic is being used here in London,” Evans added.
Authorities say the group — which Israel has described as a possible Iranian proxy — has also claimed synagogue attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Police have flooded northwest London with additional officers after a series of incidents in recent weeks, including the torching of four Jewish charity ambulances in the Golders Green neighborhood on March 23.
A police officer investigates after an attempted arson attack at Finchley Reform Synagogue in north London on April 15, 2026. Metropolitan Police are seeking two suspects after bottles believed to contain gasoline were thrown at the building. (Toby Shepheard/AFP/Getty Images)
Several suspects, ranging from teenagers to people in their 40s, have already been arrested and charged.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis warned on X that “a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum.”
“Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot, and must not, wait for that to change before we understand just how dangerous this moment is for all of our society,” he added.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence, calling the attacks “abhorrent” and vowing those responsible “will be found and brought to justice.”
Police are seen outside a synagogue in London on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, following an attempted arson attack. (Toby Shepheard/AFP/Getty Images)
The threat level rose further after the group released a video claiming it would target Israel’s embassy in London with drones carrying hazardous substances. Police shut down nearby Kensington Gardens while investigating suspicious items but said no dangerous materials were found.
British officials have long warned that Iran uses criminal networks to carry out attacks in Europe. MI5 says it disrupted more than 20 potentially lethal Iran-linked plots in the past year.
Police issued a blunt warning to any “thugs for hire” involved in such attacks.
“Let’s be really clear — it’s a mug’s game,” said Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes. “That’s what people who are now serving long prison sentences have found out, and the same fate awaits those responsible for these recent crimes.”
Investigators say the probe remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether the attacks are part of a coordinated foreign-backed campaign.
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