A man who allegedly orchestrated antisemitic attacks in the UK via FaceTime is said to have met Iran’s supreme leader shortly before the leader’s death. According to US court documents, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi utilized Apple’s FaceTime app to direct fire-bombings at Jewish targets in London and retaliatory strikes against the West.
The US indictment obtained by a report states that Saadi had close ties with Khamenei and met with him in Iran three days prior to Khamenei’s demise during the US military conflict with Iran in February. Saadi stands accused of planning at least 18 attacks in the UK and Europe, with allegations of attempting attacks in the US, including targeting a synagogue in New York.
Saadi, who was detained in Turkey after an alleged recruitment attempt with an undercover FBI agent posing as a member of a Mexican drugs cartel, was transferred to FBI custody in New York on May 14. The indictment reveals that Saadi is facing eight charges, including recruiting criminals for attacks in exchange for cryptocurrency.
Reportedly, Saadi confessed to having high-level contacts to the FBI and claimed to have a close relationship with the former IRGC leader Qasem Soleimani. Saadi has requested to be treated as a prisoner of war. The indictment suggests that Saadi orchestrated attacks from a bunker in Iraq as part of a psychological warfare campaign.
HAYI, a group allegedly linked to Kata’ib Hezbollah, claimed responsibility for recent attacks in London. The indictment also mentions Saadi’s involvement in directing attackers during European terrorist attacks and disseminating propaganda videos. Saadi is accused of planning further violent acts, including a shooting at a restaurant.
Following the Golders Green stabbing, the UK Government raised the terror threat level from “substantial” to “severe”, indicating a high likelihood of attacks. The decision was influenced by a broader increase in Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorist threats, along with escalating state-linked threats targeting the Jewish community. The Home Office has been contacted for comment on the matter.