Three Iranian men have been charged with offences under the National Security Act for allegedly assisting foreign intelligence services between 2024 and 2025. The charges come amid a major counter-terrorism investigation by British police, who also arrested eight others, including seven Iranians, earlier this month.
Interior Minister Yvette Cooper stated that Britain would take “separate action” to address suspected Iran-backed activities in the country. She said, “Iran must be held accountable for its actions,” emphasizing the need to strengthen national security powers.
The charges against the three men are linked to a plot targeting journalists connected with Iran International, a broadcaster critical of the Iranian government. They were remanded in custody and will appear at a preliminary hearing on June 6.
This development follows recent reports of Tehran-backed plots posing lethal threats to UK citizens and residents. In 2023, an Austrian national was convicted of hostile reconnaissance against Iran International’s London headquarters, while last year, a British journalist of Iranian origin was stabbed in London.
The case highlights the ongoing scrutiny of suspected state threats in Britain, with the government placing Iran on its highest foreign influence register. The investigation remains active and is ongoing, with police continuing to provide support to premises targeted by the alleged plot.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/british-police-charge-three-iranians-counter-terrorism-probe-2025-05-17