Following the arrest and charging of three Iranian individuals for espionage activities related to Iran International, both Iran and Britain have summoned each other's envoys, escalating diplomatic tensions and highlighting concerns over national security and foreign interference.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate: Iran and UK Summon Envoys Over Spying Allegations
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate: Iran and UK Summon Envoys Over Spying Allegations
The diplomatic rift intensifies as both nations respond to the espionage charges against three Iranian nationals in the UK.
In a significant diplomatic incident, Iran and Britain have summoned each other's envoys amid growing tensions following the arrest of three Iranian men in the UK, who have been charged with spying for the Islamic Republic. The arrests occurred on May 3, with the individuals appearing in a London court this past Saturday.
The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that on Sunday, the British charge d'affaires was called in by Iranian officials to explain what they termed as "unjustified" and "politically motivated" arrests. In response, the UK Foreign Office summoned Iran's ambassador to London on Monday, asserting that the British government would hold Iran accountable for its actions.
The Foreign Office stated that safeguarding national security is of paramount importance. It noted that the summons was triggered by the recent announcement detailing the charges against three men accused of carrying out activities that allegedly assisted a foreign intelligence service. The suspected espionage reportedly took place between August 2024 and February 2025, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The individuals arrested have been identified as Mostafa Sepahvand (39), Farhad Javadi Manesh (44), and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori (55), all residing in London. They arrived in the UK between 2016 and 2022 and were granted temporary asylum status. They are accused of conducting surveillance activities targeting journalists associated with Iran International, a news outlet known for its critical coverage of the Iranian government and classified as a terrorist organization by Tehran.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that "Iran must be held to account for its actions" and emphasized the need to enhance security measures against escalating state threats on British soil. The situation has further complicated matters, as five additional Iranian men were arrested across various UK cities on the same day in a separate counter-terrorism investigation, raising concerns about broader security issues.
