Four Arrested in UK Counter-Terrorism Investigation on Suspicion of Assisting Iranian Intelligence Service
Four men have been arrested in a counter-terrorism investigation into suspected links with Iran’s intelligence services and the alleged surveillance of Jewish community sites in London.
Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London carried out a pre-planned operation shortly after 1am on Friday, arresting the suspects at addresses in Barnet, Watford and Harrow.
The men — one Iranian national and three dual British-Iranian nationals — were detained on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023. Police say the investigation focuses on suspected monitoring of locations and individuals connected to Jewish communities in the capital.
Two of the suspects, aged 40 and 55, were arrested at properties in Barnet. A 52-year-old man was detained at an address in Watford, while a 22-year-old was arrested in Harrow. Police are continuing searches at the Barnet and Watford locations, as well as at a separate address in Wembley.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “Today’s arrests are part of a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it. We understand the public may be concerned, in particular the Jewish community, and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.”
Six additional men aged 29, 39, 42, 49 and two aged 20, were also arrested at the same property in Harrow on suspicion of assisting an offender. One of those men was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.
All ten suspects remain in police custody while the investigation continues.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said the case highlighted the broader threat posed by Tehran. Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, he said: “Iran is the biggest state sponsor of terrorism globally and sadly, that is in effect in our own society as well. Our intelligence services and counter-terrorism police have thwarted lots of action over the last few years,” he added, praising the work of the UK’s security agencies.
The Community Security Trust, which works to protect Jewish communities in Britain, also thanked police following the arrests, adding: “Security is strong across the Jewish community.”
The National Security Act, introduced in 2023, updated the UK’s counter-espionage laws and gives authorities wider powers to tackle foreign interference and intelligence activity.
