Israeli Embassy Plot Foiled: Iranian Nationals Arrested in UK Terror Sweep

The Israeli embassy in London was the intended target of a suspected terror plot involving five Iranian men, the BBC has learned. While the Metropolitan Police have not officially named the location, sources confirm the reports first published by the times. The arrests were part of a major counter-terrorism operation carried out across multiple cities in England.

The suspects, aged between 24 and 46, were detained on Saturday in coordinated raids across west London, Swindon, Manchester, Stockport, and Rochdale. Armed police were seen making arrests at several locations, with footage showing dramatic scenes of detentions. Four of the men are being held under the Terrorism Act, while a fifth has been released on bail.

Commander Dominic Murphy of the Met Police’s counter-terrorism command said the investigation was “fast-moving” and that details were being withheld for “significant operational reasons.” Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, strongly denied any state involvement and offered cooperation with the investigation.

Home Office minister Dan Jarvis described the plot as part of “some of the largest counter-state and counter-terrorism actions seen in recent times.” The arrests came on the same day three other Iranian nationals were detained under the National Security Act in a separate investigation into suspected foreign power threat activity. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant as forensic work continues.