Iran Embassy Urges UK Iranians to Sacrifice Campaign

Iran's embassy in London urged Iranians living in the United Kingdom to register for a campaign described as the "Sacrificing Life for the Homeland," prompting concerns over national security and calls for government action. The message, posted on the embassy's official Telegram channel around April 15 and visible on the Persian-language version of its website, invited "all brave and distinguished children of Iran" to participate and register through the Mikhak system, Iran's official online portal for consular services such as passports and civil registrations.

The post emphasized displays of "empathy, loyalty, and national zeal" for defending Iran and concluded with a verse from the Shahnameh, a classic Persian epic: "Let us all, one and all, give our lives in battle. Rather than surrender our country to the enemy." It directed recipients to the Iranian Foreign Ministry website for enrollment in the Jan Fada platform, also referred to as the Patriotism Campaign.

The message, broadcast to thousands of followers including over 100,000 Iranians abroad, drew sharp criticism from UK politicians and activists. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel called it "appalling" and urged...