Iran-Linked Hackers Target UK-Based Iranian Journalist, Accuse Him of Mossad Ties
A cyberattack group linked to Iran has targeted Mojtaba Pourmohsen, a senior journalist at Iran International in London, accusing him of being an agent for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, according to a Times report last week.
The hacking group, known as Handala Hack, published Pourmohsen’s photo and Iranian ID card alongside a message claiming he had acted as a Mossad spy for the past four years. The post included a direct threat, warning: “Your expiration date has long passed… You’re already burned. Which one should we expose first?”
Pourmohsen is known for his critical reporting on the Islamic Republic, including social media posts alleging Mossad’s infiltration into Iranian security structures.
This is not the first time journalists from Iran International have been targeted. The UK-based media outlet, frequently accused by Tehran of having links to Saudi Arabia, has faced repeated threats from the Iranian regime. In 2023, the network temporarily relocated to Washington due to safety concerns but returned to London later that year.
The Iranian regime’s targeting of dissident journalists in the UK has led to multiple legal cases. Just last month, three Iranian nationals appeared at London’s Old Bailey, accused of working as regime spies. The men allegedly conducted surveillance and research on Iran International journalists with the aim of assisting Iranian intelligence and enabling violent attacks on British soil.
In a separate incident in 2024, Iran International journalist Pouria Zeraat was stabbed after being lured outside by an individual posing as a Jerusalem Post reporter.
British authorities have taken the threats seriously. In November 2022, the Metropolitan Police provided protection to Iran International staff after receiving credible intelligence about planned attacks on two of its journalists.
Iran International continues to operate under heightened security as cyber and physical threats from Iranian-linked actors persist.
