Three Iranian Men Charged with UK Spying, Asylum Claims

Three Iranian men—Mostafa Sepahvand, Farhad Javadi Manesh, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori—have been charged in the UK under the National Security Act for allegedly assisting Iran's foreign intelligence service through activities including surveillance and reconnaissance targeting journalists at Iran International in London. The men arrived in the UK by irregular means such as small boats and a lorry before claiming asylum, and are accused of engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between August 2024 and February 2025. Sepahvand faces additional charges related to surveillance and open-source research with the intention of committing serious violence against a person in the UK, while Manesh and Noori are charged with intending that serious violence would be committed by others. The case is part of one of the largest investigations into suspected Iran-backed activities in the UK, prompting calls from British officials to strengthen national security measures and hold Iran accountable. The trio appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court and were remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on June 6. Authorities emphasize the seriousness of the charges and urge the public to avoid speculation as the case proceeds.