Four Iranian nationals are currently under investigation following their arrest in an alleged significant terror plot targeting a specific site in the UK. The arrests took place on Saturday and involved armed police and, in some instances, special forces personnel, who acted amid concerns that some suspects might have been armed.
The Metropolitan Police, through Commander Dominic Murphy, indicated that the investigation is still in its early stages. "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," Murphy stated. The arrested individuals include a 29-year-old man detained in Swindon, a 46-year-old from west London, another 29-year-old from Cheadle Hume in Stockport, and a 40-year-old apprehended at gunpoint in Rochdale. These arrests were made under terrorism laws, and magistrates have granted warrants to detain them until Saturday.
In connection with the same operation, a 24-year-old man arrested in Manchester has been released on bail but remains under certain restrictions. Searches are ongoing at multiple locations across Greater Manchester, London, and Swindon as part of the investigation process.
Investigators are attempting to determine whether there was any involvement from the Iranian state in what is considered a "significant" attack plot. While some reports suggest the plot may have been aimed at a synagogue, police have refuted this, stating they will not confirm if the “specific premises” were linked to the Jewish community in the UK.
The nature of the plot is thought to be more sophisticated than typical lone actor terrorism attacks observed in the country. Evidence is being gathered from the examination of electronic devices seized during the operation.
Murphy further assured that police forces are prioritising public safety as they work through this complex investigation. "We believe that a specific premises was the target of this suspected plot," he elaborated. He also urged members of the public to maintain vigilance and report any concerning behaviour to authorities.
The recent arrests have drawn attention from government officials, including Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who remarked that the operations represent some of the greatest threats witnessed in recent years. Additionally, Ken McCallum, head of MI5, highlighted in October 2024 that Tehran has been associated with multiple attack plots in the UK, having uncovered five planned attacks last year alone, primarily targeting dissidents. This brings the total number of identified plots since January 2022 to 20.
The situation continues to develop as law enforcement and security agencies work to assess and neutralise any ongoing risks posed by the arrests and the alleged plot.
Source: Noah Wire Services