Three Iranian nationals appeared in a London court on Saturday, 17th May, facing charges under the National Security Act. They allegedly assisted a foreign intelligence service between 14th August 2024 and 16th February 2025, with Iran being the involved state.
The charges follow growing concerns about Iran-backed activities in the UK. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper responded, stating that the government would take “separate action” to address these serious issues. She stressed that the UK must hold Iran accountable for its actions. Furthermore, the government will enhance security measures to confront rising state-led threats.
These charges came after the arrest of eight individuals in May. Seven of them were Iranian, and police made the arrests during two significant counter-terrorism operations. Cooper described these investigations as some of the largest in recent years. Although police released four of the arrested men, they confirmed that the investigation continues.
Police clarified that the arrests linked to the plot involved a possible threat to a specific location. Authorities remain engaged in supporting the location, while the investigation remains active. The eighth man was released without charge on Thursday.
Concerns over potential violence
MI5 Director General Ken McCallum revealed that since 2022, UK authorities responded to 20 plots allegedly backed by Tehran. These plots threatened the safety of UK citizens and residents.
The three men charged—Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55—remain in custody. They are set to appear at a preliminary hearing at the Central Criminal Court on 6th June. The court heard that the men targeted journalists associated with Iran International, a broadcaster critical of the Iranian government.
Sepahvand faces additional charges for surveillance and planning violence against an individual in the UK. Meanwhile, Manesh and Noori face charges of surveillance and inciting others to commit violent acts.
The men arrived in the UK irregularly between 2016 and 2022. They used small boats to cross the English Channel. Immigration remains a significant issue, with many citizens expressing concerns over the increasing number of arrivals. To address this, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to reduce small boat crossings by targeting people-smuggling gangs.
Iran responds
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed concern upon hearing of the arrests. He confirmed that Tehran would assist in investigations if credible evidence of misconduct emerges. However, another Iranian official dismissed the allegations as “baseless.”
In 2023, an Austrian national was convicted for conducting “hostile reconnaissance” on the London headquarters of Iran International. Additionally, a British-Iranian journalist working for the broadcaster was stabbed in London last year.
To tackle foreign influence, the UK government placed Iran on the highest tier of its foreign influence register. This requires Tehran to disclose all actions it takes to influence UK politics.
