Overview

• Five men, all Iranian nationals, were arrested on May 3 under suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, with four held under extended detention and one released on bail under strict conditions.
• The alleged plot involved targeting a specific premises in the UK, but authorities have not disclosed the location for operational security reasons.
• The multi-agency operation, involving SAS support, conducted coordinated raids across Greater Manchester, London, and Swindon, described as one of the largest in recent years.
• Investigators are examining potential links to the Iranian regime, with at least one suspect reported to have close connections to Tehran and prominent business ties in Iran.
• In a separate investigation, three Iranian nationals were arrested in London under the National Security Act 2023, marking the first use of these powers against Iranian suspects.