Britain's spooks launch recruitment drive for Farsi speakers to combat Iran's growing threat to the world after Tehran-run hit squads are linked to 15 plots on UK soil - so do YOU have what it takes to become a spy?

Britain's spy agencies have launched a recruitment drive for Farsi speakers to combat Iran's growing threat to the world after Tehran-run hit squads are linked to 15 plots on UK soil.

The UK's spy agencies MI5, MI6 and GCHQ have foiled at least 15 plots linked to Iran and the spooks are hoping that British Farsi speakers will step up to the plate to fill the specialist roles.

Starting at £40,000 recruits could be involved in live operational work such as listening, intercepting and translating conversations to help handlers target new assets.

The job advert says: 'Whether you're based at MI5, MI6 or GCHQ, you'll play a role in helping operational teams gather intelligence from foreign language materials.

The new roles come as Iran-run hit squads are targeting those who speak out against the regime and its enforcer, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Journalist Pouria Zeraati, 36, who works for Iran International, a London-based Persian speaking news channel was ambushed outside his home in Wimbledon last month

Investigators believe the three culprits were proxy agents hired by Tehran and they fled the UK just hours after the attack.

Mr Zeraati had previously reported on Iran's human rights violations.

He said a man approached him, asking for £3 before another man appeared and stabbed him in the leg. 

The two fled in a car being driven by a third man as the journalist lay bleeding in the street.

Mr Zeraaati believes it was a 'warning shot' from the regime.

Hi wife, Oldouz Rezvani has also been approached by threatening men who warned her that they knew where her family lived.

The journalist is recovering from his injuries but living under 27-hour police protection. 

Mr Zeraati has called on the government to categorise the IRGC a terrorist group.

He said: 'It will also send a clear message to the regime in Iran that enough is enough.

'The whole of Western civilization is in danger because of the threat the IRGC poses.'

 Mr Zeraati has received no explanation as to why he was targeted and Iran's charge d'afaires in the UK has denied that the country was involved in the incident but Iran has previously called for the killing of those in the UK who pose a threat.

In 2022, Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC Major Gen Hossein Salami warned: 'You've tried us before. Watch out because we're coming for you.'