• Seven Iranian nationals and one other individual were arrested in the UK across two separate counter-terrorism operations.
• The first operation targeted a suspected terror plot against a specific British premises, while the second addressed broader threats to national security.
• The arrests highlight ongoing concerns about potential Iranian-backed activities in the UK and the need for continued vigilance.

British police have arrested seven Iranian nationals and one other individual in two separate counter-terrorism operations on Saturday. The first operation, involving five individuals (four Iranians and one other), focused on a suspected terror plot targeting a specific premises. The second operation saw the arrest of three Iranian nationals on suspicion of offenses under the National Security Act, which addresses threats to national security, foreign interference, and espionage. These arrests come amid heightened concerns about Iranian activities on UK soil and underscore the ongoing efforts to counter potential threats.

• What: Two separate counter-terrorism operations leading to the arrest of eight men, including seven Iranian nationals, for a suspected terror plot and threats to national security.
• Who: Metropolitan Police, Counter Terrorism Command (CTC), MI5, Yvette Cooper (Home Secretary), Iranian nationals, one other individual (nationality unconfirmed initially).
• When: Arrests took place on Saturday, May 4, 2025. Investigations are ongoing as of May 5/6, 2025.
• Where: Arrests occurred in Greater Manchester, London, Swindon, and Stockport, England.

The coordinated counter-terrorism operations highlight the UK's vigilance towards potential threats, particularly those originating from or linked to Iran. The use of both the Terrorism Act and the National Security Act demonstrates a multifaceted approach to addressing different levels of threat. The government's emphasis on the scale and significance of these operations underscores the seriousness with which they are treating the situation. The historical context provided by MI5's previous warnings and the incidents involving Iran International staff further emphasize the ongoing nature of these concerns.

The investigation is still in its early stages and 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 linked to this matter.

These were two major operations that reflect some of the biggest counter-state threat and counterterrorism operations that we have seen in recent years.

The arrests of the Iranian nationals and one other individual in the UK represent a significant development in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. While investigations are still in the early stages, the operations highlight the continued need for vigilance and the complex challenges faced by security services in addressing potential threats. The focus now is on establishing the motives behind the alleged plot and any potential links to state-sponsored activity.