4th Iranian citizen arrested over Israeli embassy attack accusations
British authorities have arrested an Iranian national as part of an investigation into an alleged plot to target the Israeli embassy in London.
The 31-year-old suspect was taken into custody at an address in northwest London on Friday morning, police said.
It comes after three other Iranian men, aged 39, 44, and 55, were detained at addresses in the British capital on Saturday, as part of the same purported probe.
Warrants for further detention were obtained for the trio on Friday, meaning they can be held until May 17, according to police.
All four men are being held under Britain’s so-called National Security Act 2023.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has categorically rejected media reports about the alleged plot to target the Israeli embassy in London.
Araghchi said in a post on X on Thursday that Tehran has not been informed of any allegations via proper diplomatic channels.
“We are seeing stories in the media that Iranian nationals are allegedly involved in a supposed plot to target the Israeli embassy in London,” he wrote.
“Iran in no uncertain terms categorically rejects any involvement in such actions and confirms that we have not been informed of any allegations via proper diplomatic channels.
“Iran has urged the UK to engage so that we may assist any probe into credible allegations. Timing and lack of engagement suggest that something is amiss.
“There is a history of third parties bent on derailing diplomacy and provoking escalation, resorting to desperate measures, including false flag operations,” Araqchi added.
“Iran stands ready to engage to shed light on what has truly transpired, and we reiterate that UK authorities should afford our citizens due process.”
London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed several arrests on Sunday, saying five men, including four Iranian nationals, were detained on suspicion of “preparation of a terrorist act” while the other three were being held under national security legislation introduced in 2023 to counter the actions of hostile states.
They were arrested as part of a “pre-planned” investigation into an alleged plot to “target specific premises,” the Metropolitan Police said, adding that the “affected site” was made aware and is being supported by police.
As part of a separate investigation led by the Met, three other Iranian men were arrested in London on Saturday.
In a post on X on Tuesday, the Iranian foreign minister called on the United Kingdom to respect the rights of Iranians arrested in Britain, underscoring Tehran’s readiness to assist in investigations into the incident.
“Disturbed to learn that Iranian citizens have reportedly been arrested by UK security services,” Araghchi wrote.
