Three Iranian Nationals Face Charges Over Alleged Surveillance of UK Residents

Three Iranian men have been charged in London under the National Security Act, accused of aiding Iran’s intelligence operations by surveilling individuals in Britain.

The Metropolitan Police arrested Mostafa Sepahvand, Farhad Javadi Manesh, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, all residing in London, as part of an investigation into potential threats posed by Iranian operatives in the UK. They allegedly engaged in activities between August 14, 2024, and February 16, 2025, that could aid a foreign intelligence entity, specifically Iran.

The allegations include conducting surveillance and reconnaissance with intentions of committing grievous harm against an unnamed target. The arrests, executed on May 3, have raised alarms concerning Iranian efforts to intimidate journalists linked to Iran International, an independent station highly critical of the Iranian regime.

Despite these serious charges, all three men reportedly entered the UK unlawfully between 2016 and 2022, with two among various individuals arriving via small boats from France. British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper addressed the matter, emphasizing that the legal process must unfold without bias, while stressing the necessity for action against Iran regarding these serious allegations.

Cooper commended law enforcement for their efforts and firmly stated that threats from foreign operatives within the UK will not be tolerated. This incident underscores growing concerns among British security officials about Iranian state-sponsored threats, particularly marked by the warning from MI5's Director General, Ken McCallum, who indicated a surge in Iranian-backed plots suspected since early 2022.