Iranian Terror Leader Accused of Plotting Attacks Continued Operations From Jail

Mohammed Baqer al-Saadi, a high-ranking pro-Iranian terror figure accused of orchestrating attacks against Jewish targets in Europe, allegedly continued to manage his network and plan further operations even after his arrest and extradition to the United States. Al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national, was arrested in Turkey in May and subsequently transferred to the U.S., where he faces eight terrorism charges. U.S. authorities claim he used encrypted phone calls with family members to relay coded messages and instructions to operatives, and to arrange significant money transfers to unknown individuals.

He is suspected of leading the organization "Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya," which allegedly served as a "shadow organization" for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This group has been linked to nearly 20 attacks across Europe in less than three months, including arson attacks and assaults on Jewish and Israeli targets. In London alone, the organization is connected to six arson attacks in March and April, targeting Jewish ambulances and synagogues. Al-Saadi is also accused of planning a drone attack against the Israeli embassy and claiming responsibility for stabbing two Jewish individuals in Golders Green in April. U.S. authorities further allege he planned an attack intended to murder Jews in synagogues within the United States.

Despite his detention, U.S. authorities contend that al-Saadi has attempted to recruit additional individuals for terrorist activities and direct network operations. Investigators point to a July phone call where al-Saadi inquired about a senior Hezbollah commander and discussed "work" for more people, using coded language. He also allegedly instructed his family to transfer over $1 million in Iraqi dinars to unidentified recipients, believed to be related to his efforts to maintain the network. In another intercepted call, references to a handgun led FBI agents to intervene, with al-Saadi reportedly saying, "Give him money so we can do it," reinforcing fears of ongoing violent plot planning.

Al-Saadi is also implicated in disseminating propaganda videos aimed at encouraging violent ideology and psychological warfare. One video, shared on social media, featured a FaceTime call with a woman, believed to be his mother, where he spoke of not fearing death if on "the true path." This video garnered over 96,000 views. His defense attorneys, however, dispute the authorities' interpretation of his calls, attributing them to "speculation, misunderstandings, and exaggerations." They claim the handgun reference was a "completely innocent" joke and that family members are not spreading terror propaganda but rather highlighting his arrest and detention conditions.

Al-Saadi's legal team is also challenging his detention conditions, which include near-total isolation and restricted contact with family, arguing they violate his rights under the U.S. Constitution and the Third Geneva Convention. They describe the conditions as "inhumane." Al-Saadi himself has complained of being "illegally kidnapped," lacking Arabic reading materials, and the quality of his kosher-halal food, requesting to be treated as a prisoner of war. His trial is expected to commence next summer. The Director General of MI5, Ken McCallum, has previously warned that Iran uses proxy organizations to carry out violent acts in the UK, targeting dissidents, media outlets, and Israeli interests, with military facilities also being identified as potential targets.