British authorities have charged three Iranian nationals with assisting a foreign intelligence service, marking a significant escalation in a counterterrorism investigation into alleged Iranian espionage activities in the UK.
The Metropolitan Police announced the charges under the National Security Act 2023 against Mostafa Sepahvand, 39; Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44; and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55—all London residents arrested on May 3. The trio is accused of supporting Iranian intelligence operations between August 2024 and February 2025.
Sepahvand faces an additional charge for conducting "surveillance and reconnaissance" with intent to facilitate serious violence in the UK. Javadi Manesh and Noori are accused of aiding such activities.
The arrests were part of a broader operation in which eight Iranian nationals were initially detained. While three have now been charged, five others remain under investigation, with one released on conditional bail.
The National Security Act 2023 grants UK law enforcement expanded powers to counter foreign state threats. Section 27 permits warrantless arrests of individuals suspected of involvement in foreign intelligence operations.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Counter-Terrorism Command, stated:
"These are extremely serious charges under the National Security Act, resulting from a complex and fast-moving investigation. Detectives have worked tirelessly since the arrests."
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned Iran’s alleged interference, stating:
"Iran must be held accountable for its actions. We will strengthen our powers to combat state threats and protect national security."
The Iranian government has not yet issued an official response, though its Foreign Ministry previously expressed concern over the arrests.
The three suspects are scheduled to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court later today. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation to ensure the judicial process proceeds unimpeded.
Frank Ferguson, of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Counter-Terrorism Division, confirmed the charges followed an evidence review by police. A fourth suspect, arrested on May 9, was released without charge.
The case underscores growing tensions between the UK and Iran over alleged covert operations on British soil.