Overview

• Three Iranian nationals—Mostafa Sepahvand, Farhad Javadi Manesh, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori—have been charged with espionage under the UK's National Security Act 2023.
• The suspects are accused of aiding Iran's intelligence service and conducting surveillance, including targeting journalists critical of the Iranian regime.
• Both the UK and Iran summoned each other’s diplomats, with Tehran denouncing the arrests as politically motivated and London emphasizing its commitment to national security.
• The arrests are part of two separate counter-terror operations; five other Iranian nationals were detained and released but remain under investigation.
• Tensions between the UK and Iran are further strained by broader disputes over Iran’s nuclear program, human rights issues, and alleged transnational repression.