UK Police Trace Synagogue Arson Campaign to Iranian Proxy Network
Firebomb attacks on London synagogues trace to Iranian-backed militias using local criminal recruits, as Britain debates IRGC proscription amid rising antisemitism.
A firebomb smashed through Kenton United Synagogue's window overnight Saturday, forcing worshippers to relocate their morning service.
The attack marks the latest in a coordinated campaign targeting Jewish sites across London that British counter-terrorism police now suspect involves Iranian proxy networks. Investigators are examining whether Iranian-backed groups orchestrated the violence through local criminal recruits.
Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, known as HAYI, claimed responsibility for the Kenton attack via Telegram. The group's emblem closely resembles IRGC insignia.
Six incidents struck northwest London within miles of each other over recent weeks. Four Hatzolah ambulances burned in Golders Green on March 23. Finchley Reform Synagogue faced an attempted firebombing April 15. Iran International television station in Wembley was targeted April 15. Jewish Futures charity building in Hendon experienced attempted arson April 17.
HAYI's claims circulate through four Arabic-language Telegram channels affiliated with Iraqi pro-Iranian militias. Two belong to Liwa Zulfiqar and Asaib Ahl al-Haq, which maintains ties to IRGC Quds Force.
"We are aware of public reporting that suggests this group may have links to Iran," Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans stated Sunday. "As you would expect, we will continue to explore that question as our investigation evolves."
Evans noted the Iranian regime's documented use of criminal proxies. "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," she said.
The operational model mirrors Russian hybrid warfare tactics, recruiting local "thugs for hire" to maintain plausible deniability. "This is recruiting violence as a service," Evans explained. "The people who conduct that violence often have little or no allegiance to the cause, and are taking quick cash for their crimes."
Arrests include Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old charged with Golders Green arson. Two individuals from Watford were arrested for the Finchley attack. Three males aged 16, 19, and 21 were arrested for the Iran International incident. No confirmed arrests exist yet for Hendon and Kenton attacks.
HAYI claimed attacks across Europe beyond London. The group asserted responsibility for synagogue attacks in Liège, Belgium on March 9 and Rotterdam, Netherlands on March 13. Amsterdam Jewish school and commercial center attacks followed March 14 and 16. ICCT geolocation confirmed these attacks while flagging Greece, France, and Haarlem claims as likely disinformation.
"Although there is no unequivocal proof of Iranian involvement in the series of attacks in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK, the surrounding circumstances strongly point towards Iranian-backed activity," ICCT analysts concluded. They cited the "suspicious online footprint" including dissemination through accounts "closely linked to the IRGC ecosystem."
Britain's MI5 reported more than 20 "potentially lethal" Iran-backed plots disrupted in the year to October 2025. Iran maintains a documented history of hybrid operations in Europe, including a 2024 assassination attempt against a dissident in Haarlem, Netherlands. German authorities arrested several individuals in 2025 allegedly acting for IRGC Quds Force, planning attacks against Israeli and Jewish locations in Berlin.
Magomed-Husejn Dovtaev received imprisonment in December 2023 for conducting hostile reconnaissance on Iran International's West London studios. Security sources believe he served as a "cut out" used by the IRGC.
The European Union designated the IRGC a terrorist organization February 19, 2026. The United States, Canada, Sweden, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia previously proscribed the group. Britain has not followed suit despite pressure from former intelligence chiefs and security advocates.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle stated in January that the independent reviewer of terrorism laws found proscribing a "foreign state organization" inappropriate, preferring sanctions. Security Minister Dan Jarvis hinted in April that the UK could introduce new legislation to proscribe proxy organizations. Israel submitted a "direct, official request" for Britain to proscribe the IRGC.
"Still the Government refuses to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an obvious first step to address foreign radicalization and interference," Campaign Against Antisemitism declared. "It is shocking that concern for the sensitivities of a violent Iranian regime is more important to the Government than the welfare of Jewish people in this country."
Counter Terrorism Policing London leads all investigations. Authorities deployed extra uniformed and plainclothes officers across northwest London, including armed response vehicles. Stop and search powers expanded across Barnet. Metropolitan Police committed 264 additional officers to protect Jewish communities in London, including firearms specialists and drone units.
Community Security Trust urged all Jewish institutions to strictly adhere to security protocols.
"Last night yet another synagogue, this time in Kenton, was targeted in a cowardly arson attack," Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis stated. "A sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum."
Mirvis continued, "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."
Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded Sunday, "I am appalled by recent attempted antisemitic arson attacks in north London. This is abhorrent and it will not be tolerated. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain."
The Community Security Trust recorded 3,700 antisemitic incidents in the UK during 2025, the second-highest total ever reported to the organization. Official figures show Jewish people experienced the highest rate of religious hate crimes among any faith group in England and Wales.
The attacks coincide with escalating military conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. Operation Epic Fury launched February 28, 2026. Western security services including Europol warned of increased retaliatory attacks targeting Jewish and Israeli sites as the conflict persists.
"The Kenton community and the wider United Synagogue will not be deterred," said Saul Taylor, president of United Synagogue. "We will not be intimidated, and we will remain strong and united in the face of hatred."
Rabbi Yehuda Black of Kenton United Synagogue added, "It's a terrible thing — but we shouldn't be detracted from standing up as Jewish, in the face of evil."
Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes issued a warning to perpetrators. "Let's be really clear — it's a mug's game," Jukes stated. "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."