By Paasikivi
UK and Iran Summon Diplomats Amid Espionage Allegations Against Three Iranian Nationals
Britain and Iran have summoned each other’s diplomatic representatives following the charging of three Iranian men in the UK on espionage-related offenses.
The arrests, which occurred on 3 May, led to a court appearance in London on Saturday where the trio faced charges of spying on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Tehran summoned the British chargé d’affaires on Sunday, demanding an explanation for what it labeled “unjustified” and “politically motivated” arrests. The Iranian government expressed strong objections to the legal action taken by British authorities.
In response, the UK Foreign Office announced on Monday that it had summoned the Iranian ambassador in London. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office emphasized that safeguarding national security remains a top priority and asserted that Iran must face consequences for its alleged activities.
“This summons follows the announcement over the weekend confirming that three Iranian nationals have been charged with actions likely to assist a foreign intelligence service,” the statement read.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the alleged espionage occurred between August 2024 and February 2025. The individuals accused were identified as Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55 — all of whom reside in London.
A fourth man was also arrested as part of the investigation on 9 May but has since been released without charge, the police confirmed.
The three men entered the UK between 2016 and 2022 and were granted temporary leave to remain after applying for asylum. It is alleged that the suspects conducted surveillance with the intent of tracking down journalists affiliated with Iran International — a media outlet critical of Iran’s regime, which has been banned and labeled a terrorist organization by Iranian authorities.
Following the charges, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper issued a firm statement: “Iran must be held to account for its actions,” she said. “We must also strengthen our powers to protect our national security as we will not tolerate growing state threats on our soil.”
Meanwhile, five additional Iranian nationals were taken into custody on the same day in separate locations — including London, Swindon, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester — as part of an unrelated counter-terrorism operation.
Of those five, four were arrested on suspicion of preparing to commit a terrorist act but have since been released, though authorities say the investigation remains active. The fifth individual had previously been bailed to return at a later date in May.
Police and government officials continue to monitor both cases closely as concerns about foreign interference and national security threats escalate.
