A suspected Iranian-linked terrorist plot targeting the Israeli embassy in London was foiled by counter-terrorism officers with mere hours to spare, according to reports.
Five Iranian nationals were among eight men arrested in two separate counter-terror operations last Saturday, as authorities raced against time to prevent what is believed to have been an imminent attack on the Israeli diplomatic mission in Kensington.
The arrests, carried out with military support, took place across London, Greater Manchester, and Swindon. Three men were apprehended under the new National Security Act 2023, which tackles state-based threats, marking the first use of this law against Iranian nationals.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis told Parliament on Tuesday that the two operations were “among the largest counter-state threat responses we’ve seen in recent years.” He declined to speculate on motives or confirm the immigration status of those arrested, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigations.
The Metropolitan Police has not officially confirmed the Israeli embassy was the intended target, warning that “speculation could have a negative impact as we work to keep the public safe from potential threats.”
Nonetheless, The Times reported on Wednesday that authorities believe the suspects were planning an atrocity at the embassy.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, took to X (formerly Twitter) to categorically deny any Iranian involvement in the plot.
“Iran in no uncertain terms categorically rejects any involvement in such actions,” he wrote. “We have not been informed of any allegations via proper diplomatic channels.”
Mr Araghchi also suggested the possibility of “false flag operations” and accused third parties of attempting to derail diplomatic engagement between Iran and the West.
He urged the UK to cooperate transparently, adding: “Iran stands ready to engage to shed light on what has truly transpired, and we reiterate that UK authorities should afford our citizens due process.”
Seven of the eight men remain in custody, with one released on bail under strict conditions. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, called it a “fast-moving investigation” and appealed to the public to remain vigilant.
The developments come amid heightened tensions between the UK and Iran. The UK Government has already designated Iran under the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), which mandates disclosure of activities directed by hostile foreign powers.
In October last year, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum revealed that British authorities had foiled at least 20 Iran-backed plots on UK soil since 2022.
Shadow Home Office Minister Matt Vickers pressed the Government to reveal the immigration status of the suspects, arguing that the arrests “raise serious questions about how their networks were formed and what their intentions were.”
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Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on ministers to proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation—a step the United States has already taken.
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Lisa Smart urged the Government to audit Iran-linked assets in the UK, highlighting the need to uncover whether sanctioned individuals are harbouring financial influence on British soil.
Mr Jarvis reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to tackling malign foreign influence, stating: “We take these matters incredibly seriously.”
Searches at multiple locations are still ongoing. Authorities warn that the complex investigations, involving both counter-terrorism and counter-state threat components, will require time and thoroughness.
As the situation unfolds, British intelligence and police remain on high alert, determined to protect diplomatic missions and public safety in a tense geopolitical climate.
