British Authorities Detain Iranian Nationals Amid Counterterrorism Probe

British police are actively investigating a potential terrorist plot that has raised national security concerns.

British counterterrorism units have made a significant breakthrough, arresting eight individuals, seven of whom are Iranian nationals, as part of two separate investigations. London’s Metropolitan Police announced these arrests on Sunday, revealing that the first operation took place on Saturday, targeting a suspected terrorist plot aimed at a specific site.

Police officials have not disclosed the location of the potential target to protect operational integrity. Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, described the situation as a “fast-moving” investigation. Officers are collaborating with those at the implicated site to ensure their safety and keep them informed.

The arrested individuals include two men aged 29, a 40-year-old, and a 46-year-old, apprehended in various locations across London and Swindon, which is approximately 80 miles from the capital. A separate group of three other Iranian nationals, aged 39, 44, and 55, were detained in unrelated operations in London on the same day, leading to ongoing searches at their addresses.

The arrests fall under the recently enacted National Security Act 2023, designed to bolster protections against potential threats to the UK. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described these incidents as “serious events,” underlining the need for a responsive approach to evolving national security challenges.

Further details regarding the nature of the investigations remain undisclosed. However, last year, MI5's Ken McCallum indicated Iran has emerged as a growing threat, citing over 20 Iranian-backed plots targeted at UK citizens since January 2022. He referred to a recent conviction relevant to concerns about reconnaissance activities against media outlets opposed to the Iranian regime.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting reiterated the importance of caution due to the ongoing nature of the investigations, assuring the public that updates will be provided as the situation progresses.