Competition for jobs surges in Iranian cities after ceasefire, says state media

At a preliminary hearing on Friday that lasted about 30 minutes, Oisin McGuinness, 21, and Nathan Dunn, 19, appeared by video link before Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb at the Central Criminal Court.

A third defendant, who is under 16 and cannot be named for legal reasons, is also charged in the case.

No pleas were entered at Friday’s hearing. A Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing has been set for August 28, 2026, when pleas are expected to be heard. The trial is listed for three weeks.

McGuinness, Dunn and the third defendant are charged with arson with intent to endanger life, contrary to the Criminal Damage Act 1977.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on April 15, 2026, when an ignited container was thrown into a car park near the network’s studios in northwest London.

There were no reports of injuries or damage following the attempted attack. Officers pursued a black SUV which later crashed on Ballards Lane in Finchley.

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  Three charged over attempted arson at Iran International office in London

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  Statement by Iran International's Editorial Board on escalating threats and intimidation

McGuinness also faces a charge of dangerous driving, contrary to the Road Traffic Act 1988, in relation to alleged driving on Ballards Lane and Woodberry Way.

McGuinness and Dunn were remanded in custody. The third defendant is on remand under local authority supervision.

All charges are alleged and have not been proven.

In a statement, Iran International said the attack highlights increasing pressure on its journalists and their families, particularly following the recent war involving Iran.

The broadcaster said its staff and their relatives have faced threats and harassment, describing the situation as an effort to silence independent reporting.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would welcome any Chinese efforts to help ease the situation.

“Anything China will do to help the situation Iran will welcome,” Araghchi on Friday.

He also added that mediation process by Pakistan has not failed but it is in difficulty.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains open to negotiations if Washington shows seriousness, but added that Iran has no trust in the United States after previous diplomatic efforts.

“We are interested in negotiation only if the other side is serious,” Araghchi said. “We have no trust on Americans.”

“We are trying to keep the ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance.”

Araghchi’s remarks came after the BRICS foreign ministers’ summit, where he also accused Washington of sending contradictory messages that complicate diplomacy.

Honduras has officially recognized Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hamas as terrorist entities, according to a statement from the country’s Secretariat of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The statement said the decision reaffirmed Honduras’ condemnation of terrorism and its financing “in all its forms and manifestations,” as well as its commitment to international cooperation to prevent and combat such threats.

The order was issued by Honduran President Nasry Juan Asfura, according to the report.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the move, saying: “I commend Honduran President Nasry Asfura – a strong leader with values and principles – for his decision to declare Hamas and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as terrorist organizations.”

Honduras is the 46th country to label the IRGC a terrorist group.

Iran’s internet blackout has entered its 77th day, passing 1,824 hours of digital isolation, internet monitor NetBlocks said.

NetBlocks warned that the shutdown presents an emerging mental health risk to the public, with many Iranians largely cut off from online platforms, communications and normal interaction with the outside world.