Iranian Nationals Arrested in Suspected Major UK Terror Plot

Four Iranian men are being held under UK terrorism laws after being arrested in connection with an alleged sophisticated plot to attack a “specific” British target. The suspects, all Iranian nationals, were detained on Saturday in a series of high-stakes operations across England involving armed police and special forces amid fears they may have been armed.

The arrests were part of a major counter-terrorism operation led jointly by the Metropolitan Police and MI5. The men, aged 29, 40, 46, and another 29, were apprehended in Swindon, west London, Cheadle Hume (Stockport), and Rochdale. All are being held under terrorism legislation, with warrants allowing their detention until Saturday.

A fifth man, aged 24, was arrested in the Manchester area as part of the same operation but has since been released on bail under strict conditions.

Police have conducted searches at multiple addresses across Greater Manchester, London, and Swindon, as investigations continue into the suspects’ motivations, potential foreign state involvement, and any further risks to the public.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of counter-terrorism at the Met, confirmed the operation remains in its early stages. “We are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public,” he said.

Authorities are not confirming speculation that the target was a synagogue but have said the potential target was a “specific premises” more sophisticated than lone-actor attacks previously seen in the UK.

In a separate but related operation, three more Iranian nationals were arrested under legislation related to foreign state threats. These men remain in custody.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the arrests, made as part of “two major operations,” reflect some of the most serious threats faced by the UK in recent years.

MI5 chief Ken McCallum previously warned that Tehran has been behind “plot after plot” in the UK, noting at least 20 such incidents since 2022, mostly targeting Iranian dissidents.

Authorities urge the public to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior.

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