Three Iranian Nationals Charged in UK Over Alleged Spy Operations
All three face charges spanning the period between August 14, 2024, and February 16, 2025. The allegations involve surveillance, reconnaissance, and open-source research conducted with the intent to facilitate serious violence in the UK.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In one of the most high-profile counter-terrorism operations in recent years, British police have charged three Iranian nationals under the UK’s National Security Act on suspicion of engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service—identified as Iran.
According to reports by Reuters and the BBC, the charges follow a complex investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.
The men—Mostafa Sepahvand (39), Farhad Javadi Manesh (44), and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori (55)—were arrested in London on May 3. They have since been remanded in custody and are expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
All three face charges spanning the period between August 14, 2024, and February 16, 2025. The allegations involve surveillance, reconnaissance, and open-source research conducted with the intent to facilitate serious violence in the UK.
According to police, Sepahvand is accused of conducting surveillance and research with the intention of carrying out serious violence directly. Manesh and Noori are also charged with similar acts, allegedly intending for others to carry out the violence.
Commander Dominic Murphy of the Counter Terrorism Command described the charges as “extremely serious” and the result of “a very complex and fast-moving investigation.” He emphasized that police have been in contact with those affected by the alleged plans and reiterated that all precautions are being taken to ensure a fair judicial process.
The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service echoed that warning, urging the media and the public not to share information that could compromise ongoing legal proceedings. “It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings,” said Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division.
The three arrests were part of a broader counter-terrorism effort launched by British authorities in early May. On the same day as their detention, five additional Iranian nationals were arrested in a separate operation in West London, Swindon, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester.
While these operations have not been formally linked, they have drawn significant attention from British security agencies. One of those detained was released on bail, while the rest remain under extended custody.
Following the arrests, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the operations reflected “some of the biggest counter-state threat and counter-terrorism operations that we have seen in recent years.”
The Iranian government has responded with concern. According to Reuters, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he was “disturbed” by the arrests of Iranian citizens and called for respect for their legal rights.
He added that Tehran is willing to cooperate with the UK if credible evidence of wrongdoing emerges.
Alireza Yousefi, Iran’s Assistant Foreign Minister and Director General for Western Europe, went further, questioning the motivations behind the arrests. He described the charges as “problematic” and claimed that “the simultaneous accusations against Iran and the arrest of several Iranian nationals raise suspicions of political motivations behind the detentions.”
In recent years, the UK has moved to increase scrutiny of Iranian influence activities. Iran is currently listed on the highest tier of the UK’s foreign influence register, which requires full transparency for any political activity linked to Tehran.
