In a significant move against rising security threats, British counterterrorism officers have apprehended eight individuals, comprised of seven Iranian nationals, in relation to two distinct investigations. The Metropolitan Police reported the arrests, which occurred on Saturday, May 4, 2025.
British Authorities Detain Iranian Nationals in Terrorism Probes
British Authorities Detain Iranian Nationals in Terrorism Probes
Eight men, including seven Iranians, have been arrested by British police amid ongoing counterterrorism operations.
The first case involves four Iranians and one unidentified individual who were taken into custody on suspicion of plotting a terrorist act targeting a specific location, though details regarding this site have not been disclosed for operational reasons. Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, described the inquiry as "fast-moving," indicating ongoing collaborations with the affected site to maintain safety updates.
The arrested Iranians, aged 29, 29, 40, and 46, were detained across various locations including London, Swindon, Stockport, and Rochdale, alongside another man caught in the Manchester area. In a separate investigation, three additional Iranians, aged 39, 44, and 55, were also arrested in London, though these incidents were not linked to the main terrorist plot investigation.
The detentions occurred under the National Security Act 2023, which aims to bolster the UK against hostile threats. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the seriousness of these arrests and the need for adaptive responses to national security challenges. She affirmed the government's commitment to coordinating with police and intelligence services.
Concerns regarding Iranian-backed threats have escalated, as highlighted by MI5 Chief Ken McCallum last year, who noted that since January 2022, 20 plots linked to Iranian forces had been uncovered, raising alarms for British public safety. The precarious situation surrounding national security continues, with officials ensuring that updates will be provided cautiously as investigations evolve.
The arrested Iranians, aged 29, 29, 40, and 46, were detained across various locations including London, Swindon, Stockport, and Rochdale, alongside another man caught in the Manchester area. In a separate investigation, three additional Iranians, aged 39, 44, and 55, were also arrested in London, though these incidents were not linked to the main terrorist plot investigation.
The detentions occurred under the National Security Act 2023, which aims to bolster the UK against hostile threats. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the seriousness of these arrests and the need for adaptive responses to national security challenges. She affirmed the government's commitment to coordinating with police and intelligence services.
Concerns regarding Iranian-backed threats have escalated, as highlighted by MI5 Chief Ken McCallum last year, who noted that since January 2022, 20 plots linked to Iranian forces had been uncovered, raising alarms for British public safety. The precarious situation surrounding national security continues, with officials ensuring that updates will be provided cautiously as investigations evolve.
