UK arrests eight men including seven Iranians in alleged London terror plot

British counterterrorism authorities arrested eight men, including seven Iranian nationals, in a coordinated series of raids across England on Saturday, 3 May 2025. The suspects were detained over an alleged plot to attack an unspecified target in London, with law enforcement officials citing both terrorism and hostile state activity. The operations were led by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, with support from MI5, and are being described by officials as among the most significant in recent years.

What Happened in London and Across England?

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that five of the men, aged between 29 and 46, were arrested under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism. Four of the five have been identified as Iranian nationals, while the nationality of the fifth is still being verified. The arrests took place at properties in London, Greater Manchester, and Swindon.

In a separate but concurrent operation, three more Iranian men—aged 39, 44, and 55—were arrested in London under the UK’s new National Security Act. They are being investigated for suspected activities on behalf of a foreign state. These are among the first known arrests under the updated legislation aimed at countering espionage, sabotage, and coercive activities by hostile foreign powers.

How Did UK Authorities Describe the Threat?

The Metropolitan Police stated that the suspects were taken into custody as part of an “intelligence-led operation” conducted in coordination with MI5. Although officials did not disclose the nature or location of the intended target, they confirmed that the relevant premises have been notified and provided with “appropriate advice and support.” Searches at multiple residential and commercial sites are ongoing.

A spokesperson for the Met Police said the arrests followed “prolonged surveillance and intelligence gathering,” without elaborating on whether weapons or other materials had been seized.

UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, in a public statement, described the arrests as “a clear demonstration of the evolving threat landscape we face.” She added that the National Security Act was proving effective in empowering authorities to disrupt potential threats from foreign state actors.

What Is the National Security Act and Why Is It Being Used?

The National Security Act came into force in late 2023 and grants UK law enforcement agencies greater power to address threats posed by foreign governments. It allows for prosecution of individuals who engage in espionage, foreign interference, or sabotage activities on UK soil, even in the absence of overt terrorism-related conduct.

The three men arrested under this act are suspected of engaging in activity directed by or on behalf of a foreign government—believed to be Iran. Authorities have not officially named the state actor in question, but multiple news outlets have reported Iran’s alleged involvement based on government briefings to journalists.

Officials indicated that this legal framework was necessary given the nature of the suspects’ activity, which may not have met the legal threshold under traditional terrorism laws alone.

How Is This Linked to Previous Iranian Activities in the UK?

UK intelligence services have previously warned of an uptick in Iran-linked threats to individuals and institutions based in the UK. Since early 2022, MI5 has reportedly foiled at least 20 assassination or kidnapping plots believed to be directed by Iranian agencies. These threats have largely targeted Iranian dissidents, journalists, and critics of the regime living in exile in the United Kingdom.

British officials have also accused Tehran of using its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to coordinate or sponsor operations abroad. Calls have intensified within Parliament to formally designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Though no such legal designation has been made, the latest arrests are expected to renew pressure on government ministers.

What Are Officials Saying About the Threat Level?

The UK’s current national terrorism threat level remains at “substantial,” indicating that an attack is likely. The latest arrests have not resulted in a change to this level but have prompted enhanced security measures around high-risk locations, including embassies, religious centres, and transport hubs in London.

The Home Office urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Law enforcement continues to work with community leaders to prevent tensions from escalating following the arrests, especially within the Iranian diaspora.

Are Charges Imminent?

As of Monday morning, 5 May 2025, none of the eight arrested individuals have been formally charged. All remain in custody at a central London police station, where they are being questioned under specialist provisions that allow for extended detention in terror-related cases.

The Met Police stated that charging decisions will depend on the outcome of the ongoing search operations and digital forensic analysis. It is possible that the suspects could face charges ranging from terrorism-related offences to offences under the National Security Act involving foreign interference or sabotage.

What Happens Next?

Investigations are expected to continue through the week as more evidence is analysed. The arrests, which spanned three cities, are being treated as coordinated elements of a single national-level counterterrorism operation. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests or expanded charges as they pursue further lines of inquiry.

No public warning or evacuation order was issued in relation to the plot, which indicates that the threat may have been in the planning stages and not yet operational. Nonetheless, officials emphasised that the response was proportionate to the seriousness of the intelligence received.

Inquiries are also underway to determine whether any of the suspects had travelled to or communicated with foreign operatives or institutions in Iran. Immigration and visa records are being examined as part of this assessment.

Broader Geopolitical Repercussions

The timing of the arrests comes amid escalating tensions between Western governments and Iran, particularly in light of Iran’s continued support for militant proxy groups and its nuclear programme. The UK has joined its allies in condemning recent regional aggression, and British diplomats have publicly called out Tehran for hostile activities on UK soil.

Security experts say that Iran has increasingly used third-country nationals, sleeper cells, and dual citizens to carry out operations abroad. The use of legal frameworks like the National Security Act represents a shift in how Western democracies are responding to these transnational threats.

The UK government is expected to update Parliament on the case later this week, potentially offering further details on the application of new national security powers.

The public is urged to call the confidential anti-terrorism hotline at 0800 789 321 or report suspicious behaviour via the UK police website.