Three London Iranians Charged With Aiding Iran

Three Iranian nationals living in London—Mostafa Sepahvand, Farhad Javadi Manesh, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori—have been charged under the UK's National Security Act for allegedly assisting Iran’s intelligence service between August 2024 and February 2025. Sepahvand is accused of conducting surveillance, reconnaissance, and open-source research with the intention of committing serious violence against a person in the UK, while Manesh and Noori allegedly intended for others to carry out serious violence. The suspects were arrested on May 3 following a complex investigation led by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command and remain in custody pending a court appearance. A fourth man arrested was released without charge. Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the ongoing threat posed by alleged Iranian state activities in the UK, urging the public not to speculate during legal proceedings. These arrests reflect heightened concerns over Iranian operations targeting individuals and interests in the UK.