Full Breakdown
Romanian Proxies Sentenced for Iran-Linked Stabbing of Journalist Pour Zeraati in London
7/4/2026, 9:13:22 PM
Attack and Sentencing
On 29 March 2024, Iran International journalist Pouria Zeraati was stabbed in the thigh outside his Wimbledon home. Nandito Badea (21) and George Stana (25) were convicted of wounding and, 3 July 2026, sentenced to eight and twelve years, a twenty-year term.
Background of Iran International
Iran International, a channel, is designated a terrorist organisation by Tehran and faced intimidation, including a Tehran billboard listing Zeraati as “Wanted: Dead or Alive” and a relocation to Washington.
Main Actors
The victim is journalist Pouria Zeraati. The convicted attackers are Nandito Badea and George Stana, Romanian nationals. A third Romanian, David Andrei, is alleged to have helped crowd the victim and remains detained in Romania.
Timeline
March 2023 – surveillance of Zeraati’s home begins.
29 March 2024 – stabbing; attackers flee in a blue Mazda 3 to Geneva.
December 2024 – suspects located in Romania and extradited.
June 2024 – conviction.
3 July 2026 – sentencing.
Official Findings & Sentencing
Mrs Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb said evidence “points” to an Iranian-state-directed attack, noted victim was not random, and found Stana “ought to have known” operation served Iran, imposing sentences under National Security Act foreign-power provision.
Official Statements
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC called the assault a “planned attack preceded by reconnaissance” ordered for Iranian state, calling defendants proxies. Kris Wright said the case shows an “increasing use of ‘proxies’ by hostile foreign states”. Iran International thanked authorities, calling the attack “appalling”.
Defense & Opposition
Peter Caldwell KC argued Stana was “functionally illiterate” and “not aware of current affairs”, so could not have known he was used by Iran. David Spens KC said the court “cannot be sure” Badea stabbed. Iran denies involvement.
Victim Impact
Zeraati said the attack left him “scared and anxious”, caused “significant sleeplessness”, and forced relocation abroad for fear of reprisals; he now avoids restaurants and constantly looks over his shoulder.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Badea’s knowledge of the Iranian link; the judge expressed uncertainty while prosecutors said both men acted as proxies. Iran denies involvement. David Andrei remains detained in Romania without UK trial.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am sure that this was an attack carried out for and for the benefit of a foreign power.” — Mrs Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb
- “the victim was not selected at random” — Mrs Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb
- “The attack on Pouria was appalling, terrifying for him and his wife, and shocking to his colleagues at Iran International,” — Iran International spokesperson
- “The incident has left me scared and anxious,” — Pouria Zeraati
What’s Next
MI5 head Ken McCallum warned that over 20 Iran-backed plots were disrupted in the past year, highlighting continued surveillance of foreign-state proxies. Counter-terrorism officials say the sentencing aims to deter further attacks on journalists in the UK.
