Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran
Tehran, May 7: Iran has strongly rejected the terrorism-related allegations levelled by the UK home office and several British parliamentarians following the arrest of multiple Iranian nationals by British authorities in sweeping counter-terrorism operations.
The arrests, which occurred in Swindon, west London, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester, involved at least seven Iranian nationals, according to the Metropolitan Police. Five were detained in one operation for allegedly plotting attacks on specific premises, while three others were held in a separate investigation.
Iran’s foreign ministry, through state-run IRNA, denounced the arrests as ‘baseless accusations’ and summoned the UK envoy to demand immediate consular access and the legal grounds behind the detentions. “The UK must clarify the charges and facilitate immediate consular visits,” said Alireza Yousefi, director general for Western Europe at Iran’s foreign ministry.
Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi took to social media platform X, expressing concern over the arrests. “If credible misconduct is established, we are ready to assist. But the rights of our citizens must be respected, and due process ensured,” he posted.
In the UK Parliament, security minister Dan Jarvis described the arrests as among the most serious recent counter-terror actions. “We are dealing with complex investigations involving hundreds of officers across the country. Anyone working for the Iranian state in the UK must declare it or face legal action,” he said.
Jarvis also stated that the UK will target not just operatives but also the networks and enablers allegedly used by Iran to pursue operations on British soil.
Since 2022, British authorities claim to have foiled over 20 similar plots and have sanctioned a Sweden-based network accused of targeting Israeli and Jewish interests across Europe.
Iran, however, maintains the arrests are politically motivated and part of a broader attempt to smear its image. The diplomatic standoff continues to deepen with both countries sticking to their positions amid heightened security concerns across Europe.