British Counter-Terrorism Police announced that they had arrested two individuals who are believed to have assisted Iran's intelligence service in London. A 60-year-old male and a 42-year-old female were arrested at different locations within North-West and North London respectively. The arrests took place under Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023, specifically relating to assisting a foreign intelligence service.

The arrests were made nearly three months after British authorities conducted searches on properties located in North and North-West London as part of an ongoing investigation. Another search was completed in North-West London immediately following the arrests. Both individuals were released from custody on bail until October 31 and are required to adhere to strict conditions during their release.

Commander Helen Flanagan stated that there were no signs of an imminent threat to the general public. She noted that this investigation has no connection to several incidents involving members of the Jewish and Iranian communities in London. These arrests occur amidst increasing concern in the United Kingdom regarding allegations of espionage operations by Iran.

In May, four males were arrested based on a separate investigation into allegations of spying for Iran. The United Kingdom has increasingly utilized the National Security Act to investigate foreign intelligence agencies conducting espionage activities in the country. Additionally, in March, the Crown Prosecution Service formally charged two males with obtaining information and conducting reconnaissance on potential targets in the U.K. to assist an Iranian intelligence agency.