Security Experts Warn of Potential Intelligence and Hostile Operations Under the Cover of Media and Cultural Activities
A new investigative report by the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph has raised serious concerns over the alleged use of the United Kingdom’s skilled worker visa system by a London-based media company linked to institutions affiliated with the Iranian regime.
According to the report, the company, known as RAD Media World, has reportedly used its government-approved sponsorship status to bring individuals into Britain through legal work visas. Security experts warn that such a mechanism could create opportunities for Iranian intelligence-linked operatives to enter the country under the cover of media or cultural work.
The company, registered in northwest London, is reportedly connected to Press TV and HispanTV, both media outlets affiliated with the Iranian regime.
British government sources confirmed to the Telegraph that RAD Media World had successfully sponsored a number of work visas, although officials claimed the number of individuals involved was limited.
Under British immigration law, skilled worker visas can remain valid for up to five years and allow visa holders to bring family members with them. Only employers approved by the UK Home Office are permitted to sponsor such visas.
Warnings Over a “Back Door” for Iranian Regime Activities
Security and counterterrorism specialists interviewed by the Telegraph warned that the visa sponsorship system could become a “back door” for individuals acting on behalf of the Iranian regime.
The warnings come amid heightened concern in Britain over Iran-linked activities and following the elevation of the country’s terror threat level after a series of attacks targeting Jewish individuals, synagogues, and charitable institutions.
Jonathan Hackett, a former US intelligence official specializing in Iranian covert operations, stated that Tehran has long exploited what he described as Britain’s relatively permissive environment by operating through media and cultural organizations.
He warned that such organizations could provide cover for Iranian intelligence operatives entering the UK for surveillance, identifying targets, covert financial transfers, and other clandestine activities.
Similarly, Roger MacMillan, a specialist in countering Iran-related terrorism and former head of security at Iran International, warned that some individuals entering Britain through these visa arrangements could engage in hostile reconnaissance, intimidation campaigns, harassment of Iranian dissidents, or even terrorist activities against members of the Iranian diaspora and the Jewish community.
He called for a comprehensive review of British visa issuance policies.
Calls for Immediate Investigation
The Telegraph reported that pressure is mounting on the British Home Office to revoke RAD Media World’s sponsorship license and launch a broader investigation into visa policies connected to organizations linked to the Iranian regime.
David Taylor stated that the company’s right to sponsor visas should be immediately suspended and that the firm itself should face urgent investigation.
He also demanded an immediate review of all individuals who had received visas through the company’s sponsorship.
Links to Press TV Productions and London Studios
The report further revealed that RAD Media World has ties to Ravenor Farm Studios, a production facility in west London reportedly used for filming the Press TV program Palestine Declassified.
According to the Telegraph, journalists visiting the company’s registered premises this week found an apparently empty industrial unit guarded by a professional security company. Security personnel reportedly stated they were there to prevent squatters or unauthorized individuals from entering the property.
Last month, the studio allegedly received a formal letter from the British government warning of possible legal action under the UK National Security Act.
Corporate filings cited by the Telegraph identify Seyed Mehdi Mirtaleb as the company’s sole current director, while Hamid Kheiraldin previously served in a leadership role. Both individuals reportedly had connections to the now-dissolved UK Press TV Ltd as well as HispanTV.
Official records also show that one of the registered owners of Ravenor Farm Studios is London Broadcasting Partners Limited, whose sole director is reportedly Seyed Mehdi Mirtaleb.
The Telegraph added that RAD Media World shares its registered Wembley address with several related companies, including London Broadcasting Partners and entities linked to HispanTV.
Longstanding International Concerns Over Press TV
The report noted that Press TV has already been sanctioned by the United States, the European Union, Canada, and Australia.
The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control previously accused the network of being used by Iranian intelligence services for recruitment operations, including attempts to recruit American citizens.
Meanwhile, HispanTV has been removed from several European and American satellite platforms, although it reportedly continues to maintain a significant audience in parts of Latin America.
British Government Response
Seyed Mehdi Mirtaleb rejected the allegations, dismissing them as conspiracy-driven claims. Press TV and HispanTV reportedly declined to comment on the Telegraph investigation.
A spokesperson for the British Home Office stated that the government takes the threat posed by Iran “extremely seriously” and emphasized that protecting British citizens and national interests remains a top priority.
The spokesperson added that the UK has already sanctioned the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and more than 550 Iranian individuals and entities. The government is also preparing additional legislation aimed at countering hostile activities carried out by foreign states and their proxy networks.
According to the Telegraph, detailed evidence regarding RAD Media World’s alleged connections to Iranian state-linked organizations has now been submitted to London’s counterterrorism police unit and the British Home Office for further examination.
