Miliband warns Iran's Araghchi UK will not tolerate hostile activity on British soil

September 25, 2026 at 07:51 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the UN General Assembly in New York that Britain will not tolerate intimidation, threats or hostile activity on UK soil. The Foreign Office said Miliband stressed the UK's resolve to combat threats from Iranian-linked groups, including attacks on the British Jewish community. The meeting came as the two sides discussed the war in the Middle East and the detention of a British couple in Iran.

Key Facts

Miliband met Araghchi face-to-face at the UN General Assembly in New York City.
The Foreign Office said Miliband spoke about the UK's resolve to combat threats from Iranian-linked groups, including attacks on the British Jewish community.
British intelligence chiefs concluded that secret intelligence pointed to Iran or its proxies being involved in the Hatzola ambulance attack and other attacks against Jewish communities during 2026.
Miliband told Araghchi that Iran should choose de-escalation and diplomacy instead of prolonging the war and stressed the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The British couple from East Sussex have been detained for more than 20 months and were each sentenced to 10 years in jail on espionage charges in February.

The Meeting

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband met Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the UN General Assembly in New York City. The Foreign Office said Miliband told Araghchi that the UK will not tolerate intimidation, threats or hostile activity on UK soil. Miliband spoke about the UK's unwavering resolve to combat threats from Iranian-linked groups in UK soil, including attacks on the British Jewish community. The Islamic Republic News Agency reported the men met and discussed bilateral ties and international developments during their talks.

Intelligence Assessment

British intelligence chiefs were initially keeping an open mind as to whether the Iranian state or organisations working for it had a role in the Hatzola ambulance attack and other attacks against Jewish communities during 2026. They later concluded that secret intelligence pointed to Iran or its proxies being involved in the attack. The BBC understands that this conclusion was reached after the attacks.

Detained Couple

The couple, who are from East Sussex, have been detained for more than 20 months after being arrested while passing through the country on a motorcycle journey. In February, the Foremans were each sentenced to 10 years in jail on espionage charges, which they deny. In Miliband's discussion with the Iranian foreign minister, he reiterated the call for them to be immediately released and stressed that their welfare remains a priority for the government, the Foreign Office said.