LONDON (AP) — British counterterrorism officers have arrested four Iranian men connected to an alleged plot targeting an unspecified location, alongside three others over a separate national security threat. This operation has been described by the government as one of the largest counter-state and counterterrorism efforts seen in recent years.
On Saturday, the Metropolitan Police detained five men aged between 29 and 46 across various regions in England under the Terrorism Act, suspecting them of preparing a terrorist act. Of the five, four are Iranian nationals, and authorities are still confirming the nationality of the fifth individual.
Although police have not disclosed specific details about the intended target, they emphasized operational confidentiality, stating that the location involved is receiving “advice and support.” All suspects are currently being interrogated at various police stations, but no formal charges have been made at this stage. Investigations are ongoing, with extensive searches being conducted at multiple properties in London, Manchester, and Swindon.
Witnesses in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, reported significant police activity, including a loud bang and the presence of heavily armed officers apprehending a suspect. Local resident Kyle Warren recounted seeing a man being forcefully escorted into custody, highlighting the dramatic nature of the arrest.
Commander Dominic Murphy, leading the Counter Terrorism Command, stated that authorities are working diligently to identify the motive behind the plot and assess any potential risks to public safety. In a related but separate investigation, three additional Iranian men, aged 39, 44, and 55, were detained in London on suspicions related to national security offenses.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper characterized the arrests as significant, noting that they underscore the magnitude of counter-state and counterterrorism operations Britain is currently facing. She emphasized the critical nature of the ongoing investigation to determine any connections between the arrests and the Iranian government, illustrating the complexity of challenges to national security.
MI5, the UK's domestic intelligence service, has raised alarms regarding a burgeoning threat from individuals associated with Tehran. In a previous statement, MI5’s chief, Ken McCallum, indicated that since 2022, 20 potentially grave plots believed to be backed by Iranian interests have been thwarted, primarily aimed at Iranian dissidents in the UK. McCallum warned that escalating conflicts in the Middle East may lead to a broadening of Iranian state-sponsored aggression within the UK.
In a related incident, Pouria Zeraati, a presenter critical of the Iranian regime on a Farsi-language television station, was attacked in London in March 2024. He sustained injuries from a stabbing, and subsequent arrests were made in Romania concerning the assault.
As of now, the UK's official terror threat level remains categorized as “substantial,” indicating that an attack is considered likely. This ongoing situation reflects the heightened vigilance and the complexity of threats facing national security.
