British police have arrested eight individuals, including seven Iranian nationals, in two separate counterterrorism operations. The arrests were made in London, Swindon, and Greater Manchester on suspicion of planning terrorism-related activities.
In one operation, five men, including four Iranians, were detained on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. They were arrested by Counter Terrorism Police on Saturday in connection with a suspected plot to target an unnamed premises. The men, aged 29 to 46, remain in custody.
Four of the arrested individuals were Iranian nationals, while the fifth man, whose nationality is still being confirmed, was arrested under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities exploring potential motivations and assessing any further risks to the public.
In a separate operation, three Iranian nationals, aged 39, 44, and 55, were arrested under the National Security Act, which addresses threats from foreign interference and espionage. The arrests are unrelated to the first operation.
Interior Minister Yvette Cooper described the arrests as “serious events” and emphasized the UK’s ongoing efforts to respond to national security threats. The arrests come amid growing concerns about Iranian activity in the UK, following a series of Iran-backed plots uncovered by MI5.