Three Iranians Face Charges in UK After counter-terrorism Inquiry

Three men have been charged under the National Security Act for allegedly aiding Iran's foreign intelligence service, according to Scotland Yard.

The charges follow a counter-terrorism investigation into activities said to have occurred between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025. The three Iranian nationals, who all have London addresses, were arrested on Saturday, 3 May. They are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this Saturday.

The individuals have been identified as Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, from St John’s Wood; Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, from Kensal Rise; and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, from Ealing. Sepahvand faces an additional charge for conducting surveillance, reconnaissance, and gathering open-source intelligence with the intention of committing serious violence against an individual in the UK.

Manesh and Noori have also been charged with similar activities—surveillance and reconnaissance—with the same alleged intent.

A fourth man, who was detained on Friday, 9 May under the same legislation, has since been released without charge as of Thursday.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that Iran must be “held to account” and praised the police and intelligence services for their work in protecting the UK’s national security. She said that while the legal proceedings must take their course without interference, the government will also consider broader actions in response to the case.

Cooper added: “We will not tolerate hostile state activity on British soil. Safeguarding national security is a fundamental responsibility of the government, and we will continue to support our law enforcement and intelligence agencies in meeting these evolving threats.”

Commander Dominic Murphy of the Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism command described the case as "extremely serious" and the investigation as "complex and fast-moving." He urged the public to avoid speculation so as not to compromise the judicial process, noting that detectives have been working intensively and that the individuals affected by the alleged plot have been contacted and are being supported.

Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter-terrorism division, confirmed the charges were brought following a review of evidence provided by the Met’s counter-terrorism command.