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UK and Iran Exchange Diplomatic Summons Over Espionage Allegations
Amid escalating tensions, Britain and Iran have both summoned each other’s diplomats after three Iranian nationals were charged with conducting espionage activities in the UK. These developments follow a series of arrests and accusations, highlighting growing concerns over national security.
Arrests and Charges: Allegations of Spying for Iran
On May 3rd, three Iranian men were taken into custody in the UK. Subsequently, they appeared in a London court on Saturday, facing charges related to spying on behalf of the Islamic Republic. The suspects have been identified as:
- Mostafa Sepahvand, 39
- Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44
- Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55
All three individuals reside in London and are accused of engaging in activities designed to benefit a foreign intelligence service.
Diplomatic Response: Summons and Rebuttals
Iran’s IRNA news agency reported that the British charge d’affaires was summoned on Sunday to address what Iran deemed “unjustified” and “politically motivated” arrests. In response, the UK Foreign Office summoned Tehran’s ambassador to the UK on Monday, escalating the diplomatic row.
UK’s Stance: Protecting National Security
Government’s Firm Warning Against State-Backed Threats
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper asserted that the UK would “not tolerate growing state-backed threats on UK soil.” She emphasized the seriousness of the situation in Parliament: “I can confirm the Iranian ambassador has been summoned, and [Foreign Secretary David Lammy] is raising with Iranian foreign minister in the strongest terms that the UK will not accept any Iranian state threat activity in the UK.”
New Powers to Counter State Threats
The government intends to create new powers of proscription to address state threats. These measures will be “stronger than current National Security Act powers in allowing us to restrict the activity and operations of foreign state-backed organizations in the UK.” The Foreign Office reiterated that “protecting national security remains our top priority, and Iran must be held accountable for its actions.”
Details of the Alleged Espionage Activities
Timeline and Target of Surveillance
According to the Metropolitan Police, the alleged spying took place between August 2024 and February 2025. The three Iranian nationals are accused of carrying out surveillance aimed at locating journalists associated with Iran International, a media outlet critical of the current Iranian regime. Iran has proscribed Iran International as a terrorist organization.
Asylum Claims and Residency Status
The charged individuals arrived in the UK between 2016 and 2022 and were granted temporary leave to remain after claiming asylum.
Broader Security Concerns and Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Rising Threat Levels on UK Soil
Home Secretary Cooper highlighted broader security concerns, including “rising numbers of Iran-linked operations on UK soil” and a nearly 50% annual increase in MI5 state threats investigations. She stated, “The Iranian regime poses an unacceptable threat to our domestic security which cannot continue.”
Separate Counter-Terrorism Investigation
In a separate counter-terrorism operation, five other Iranian men were arrested on May 5th in London, Swindon, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester. While four of these men, initially held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, have been released, the investigation “remains active and is ongoing.” The fifth man was previously bailed to an unspecified date in May.