Pro-Iranian Operative Directs Terror Network from U.S. Custody, Authorities Warn
Pro-Iranian operative Mohammed Baqer al-Saadi, detained in the U.S. on terrorism charges, continues to direct European terror plots and coordinate funds from custody, federal authorities reveal.
Pro-Iranian operative Mohammed Baqer al-Saadi, accused of orchestrating anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli attacks in Britain and Europe, continues to direct his terror network and plan assaults from U.S. custody, according to federal authorities and court documents cited by The Times.
Al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national, was arrested in Turkey in May and extradited to the United States, where he faces eight terrorism-related charges. U.S. prosecutors state that he has utilized monitored phone calls to his family to transmit coded instructions, coordinate logistics, and transfer substantial funds to unidentified operatives.
Terror Network and European Operations
Investigators allege al-Saadi operated Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, a proxy organization linked to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The group was connected to nearly 20 attacks across Europe in less than three months, including arsons and assaults targeting Jewish and Israeli sites.
In London alone, the network was linked to six arson attacks between March and April, targeting Jewish community infrastructure and synagogues. The organization also claimed responsibility for a stabbing incident in Golders Green and planned drone operations against the Israeli embassy in April. U.S. authorities further accuse al-Saadi of planning attacks against synagogues within the United States.
Communication from Custody and FBI Interventions
Despite being held under strict security measures, prosecutors maintain that al-Saadi continues to exert operational influence. Transcripts show he inquired about Hezbollah Brigades commanders during a July phone call and instructed family members to transfer over one million dollars in Iraqi dinars to various entities.
In one instance, FBI agents intervened and terminated a call after references to a firearm were made, with al-Saadi instructing an associate to receive funds to execute operations. Additionally, propaganda videos featuring al-Saadi have circulated online, accumulating nearly 100,000 views and promoting violent extremist ideology.
"We do not care if we fall to death or if death comes to us, as long as we are on the path of truth," al-Saadi stated in a video clip distributed through channels associated with IRGC propaganda.
Defense Arguments and Legal Proceedings
Defense attorneys from the Federal Defenders of New York rejected the government's interpretations, arguing that references to firearms were misconstrued jokes and that family members were merely publicizing his detention conditions. They contend that his strict isolation and restricted communication violate his constitutional rights and Geneva Convention protections, requesting he be treated as a prisoner of war.
MI5 Director-General Ken McCallum recently warned that Tehran continues to utilize proxy networks to conduct hostile operations within the United Kingdom, targeting dissidents, media outlets, and military installations such as RAF Fairford.
