Tehran has summoned the British chargé d’affaires to the Iranian Foreign Ministry in protest over the recent arrests of Iranian nationals in the United Kingdom, Iranian state media reported on Monday.
According to the report, the British diplomat was summoned on Sunday and asked to provide an official explanation for the arrests, as well as the legal grounds behind what Iran described as “false accusations” made by the UK government against the Islamic Republic.
The diplomatic protest follows the arrest of seven Iranian nationals by British authorities in two separate operations earlier this month.
Three of the men were formally charged last week under the UK’s National Security Act, accused of activities intended to assist a foreign intelligence service.
National Security Charges for Three Iranians
The individuals—Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55—appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
They were each charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist the Iranian foreign intelligence service between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025.
All three have been remanded in custody and are due to appear for a preliminary court hearing on 6 June.
The four other individuals arrested during the operations have been released on bail, though investigations into their activities remain ongoing.
Tehran Accuses UK of Politically Motivated Actions
A senior Iranian foreign ministry official, quoted by state media, criticised the arrests as politically motivated and warned of repercussions.
“Responsibility for the negative consequences of these actions, seemingly designed to exert pressure on Iran, lies squarely with the British government,” the official said.
The row comes amid heightened tensions over Iran’s placement on the UK’s Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, where it has been categorised in the highest threat tier. Under this designation, Tehran is required to register any attempts to influence UK political affairs.
Ongoing Strains in UK-Iran Relations
The arrests and subsequent diplomatic fallout mark another escalation in strained relations between London and Tehran.
British officials have consistently warned of foreign state interference and espionage activities on UK soil, particularly from states like Iran.
As investigations continue, the incident is likely to add further friction to already delicate UK-Iran diplomatic ties, with Tehran demanding greater clarity and justification for what it views as a politically charged move.
