British counter-terrorism police have arrested eight men—seven of them Iranian nationals—in connection with two separate investigations into potential threats to national security. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that while both cases involve Iranian suspects, they are not currently believed to be connected.
The first wave of arrests occurred on Saturday, targeting five men aged between 29 and 40. Four of these men are confirmed to be Iranian nationals, while the identity of the fifth is still being verified. Police detained the suspects in coordinated raids across Swindon, west London, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester.
Authorities say the men were suspected of plotting to attack a specific location, though they have not publicly identified the target, citing ongoing operational sensitivity. However, law enforcement has been in contact with the potential target site to offer guidance and protection.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of London’s Counter Terrorism Command, said investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and assess any broader public threat. “We are pursuing various lines of inquiry to understand what led to this plot and if it could be part of a wider risk to the UK public,” Murphy stated.
The Iranian Embassy in London has yet to respond to requests for comment on the arrests.
The detentions come amid increasing concerns over Iranian state-linked activities on UK soil. Since 2022, the British domestic intelligence service MI5 has reported disrupting over 20 Iran-related plots that posed potential threats to citizens and residents. This includes a case from last year where an Austrian citizen was convicted of “hostile reconnaissance” targeting the offices of Iran International—a TV network critical of Iran’s regime. Earlier this year, a British-Iranian journalist from the same outlet was stabbed in London, prompting further security alerts.
Adding to the UK government’s growing concern, Iran was recently placed in the top tier of Britain’s new foreign influence register. This means any actions it takes to influence UK political affairs must now be officially disclosed.
In a separate but equally serious case, three more Iranian nationals—aged between 39 and 55—were arrested in London under the National Security Act. This newer legislation, which took effect in 2023, was designed to counter hostile actions by foreign states. These suspects are believed to be involved in “foreign power threat activity.” Searches are ongoing at multiple properties linked to the individuals.
The Metropolitan Police reiterated that the two investigations are independent of each other, but together they underscore growing tensions and security challenges involving foreign actors.
As the investigations continue, authorities are urging the public to remain alert but not alarmed.
