UK Accuses Iran of Spying as Government Unveils Tougher Immigration Crackdown

Tensions between the UK and Iran have escalated sharply following the arrest of four Iranian nationals accused of espionage on British soil. In response, the UK government has summoned Tehran's envoy and unveiled plans for sweeping new immigration and national security measures.

The arrests, made earlier this month, have ignited a political firestorm—fuelled by fears of growing state-backed interference and threats to the safety of Iranian dissidents in Britain.

Espionage Claims: Who Was Arrested?

On 3 May, three Iranian men—Mostafa Sepahvand (39), Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori (55), and Farhad Javadi Manesh (44)—were arrested by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of engaging in spying activities. According to authorities, the suspects entered the UK between 2016 and 2022 and were granted asylum.

Police allege that the trio was involved in espionage from August 2024 to February 2025, targeting dissidents and journalists, including individuals linked to the Iran International news outlet. Iran International has been labelled a terrorist organisation by the Iranian regime.

A fourth Iranian national was arrested on 9 May but was later released without charge.

The allegations have been strongly denied by Iranian officials. Iran's state-run IRNA news agency described the arrests as 'politically motivated' and demanded clarification from British authorities.

Diplomatic Fallout: UK Summons Iranian Ambassador

Following the arrests, the UK summoned Iran's ambassador to formally protest what it describes as state-backed espionage. Foreign Secretary David Lammy also raised the matter directly with Iran's foreign minister, making it clear that Britain 'will not accept any Iranian state threat activity' within its borders.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed that stance, stating:

'We must also strengthen our laws to protect our national security, as we will not tolerate growing state threats on our soil.'

Tougher Immigration and Security Laws Incoming

In the wake of the alleged plot, Cooper confirmed that the UK government is preparing new legislation to enhance its national security defences. These measures will include fresh proscription powers that go beyond the current National Security Act.

The new laws are intended to make it easier to prevent foreign state actors and proxy groups from operating in the UK—particularly those suspected of targeting dissidents, journalists, or activists.

'We will take every step to keep people in Britain safe and hold Iran to account,' Cooper said.

National Security First

The Foreign Office has reiterated that protecting UK national security remains its top priority. Officials are particularly concerned by what they describe as a pattern of aggressive behaviour from Iranian agents attempting to intimidate or silence exiled journalists and political opponents.

This latest diplomatic row adds to a string of high-profile incidents that have strained UK-Iran relations in recent years. Whether it marks a turning point in Britain's approach to hostile foreign activity remains to be seen—but for now, tougher immigration scrutiny and national security reform are firmly on the agenda.