The UK has summoned the Iranian ambassador after three Iranians were charged with espionage, prompting a retaliatory action by Iran.
Britain and Iran Engage in Diplomatic Spat Over Spying Allegations
Britain and Iran Engage in Diplomatic Spat Over Spying Allegations
Recent espionage charges against Iranians have heightened tensions between the UK and Iran.
In a rising diplomatic tension, the UK and Iran have summoned each other’s diplomats amid serious allegations of espionage uncovered in London. Three Iranian nationals were arrested on May 3 and have since been charged in court with spying on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Iranian news agency IRNA reported that the British charge d'affaires was asked to offer an explanation regarding these “unjustified” and “politically motivated” arrests.
In response, the UK Foreign Office summoned Tehran's ambassador, underscoring that protecting national security remains paramount. The Foreign Office stated that Iran must be held accountable for its actions. These diplomatic events follow the public announcement that the three men, identified as Mostafa Sepahvand, 39; Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44; and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, all residing in London, were allegedly engaged in surveillance intended to assist a foreign intelligence service targeting UK-based Iranian journalists.
The allegations stem from activities reported to have occurred between August 2024 and February 2025, according to the Metropolitan Police. The men arrived in the UK between 2016 and 2022, where they had been granted temporary asylum. Their suspected activities reportedly included surveillance of journalists linked to Iran International, a media outlet critical of the Iranian regime, which is classified as a terrorist organization in Iran.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper issued a statement affirming that Iran must be held accountable and emphasized the need for stronger powers to safeguard national security in the UK. Meanwhile, other Iranian nationals were detained on the same day during separate counter-terrorism raids across various UK cities. Though four of these men have been released, the police investigation continues to remain active.
In response, the UK Foreign Office summoned Tehran's ambassador, underscoring that protecting national security remains paramount. The Foreign Office stated that Iran must be held accountable for its actions. These diplomatic events follow the public announcement that the three men, identified as Mostafa Sepahvand, 39; Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44; and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, all residing in London, were allegedly engaged in surveillance intended to assist a foreign intelligence service targeting UK-based Iranian journalists.
The allegations stem from activities reported to have occurred between August 2024 and February 2025, according to the Metropolitan Police. The men arrived in the UK between 2016 and 2022, where they had been granted temporary asylum. Their suspected activities reportedly included surveillance of journalists linked to Iran International, a media outlet critical of the Iranian regime, which is classified as a terrorist organization in Iran.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper issued a statement affirming that Iran must be held accountable and emphasized the need for stronger powers to safeguard national security in the UK. Meanwhile, other Iranian nationals were detained on the same day during separate counter-terrorism raids across various UK cities. Though four of these men have been released, the police investigation continues to remain active.
