British authorities have arrested eight Iranian nationals in a sweeping counter-terror operation aimed at stopping a deadly Tehran-linked plot on UK soil. Coordinated raids across multiple cities uncovered a targeted scheme, with officials calling it one of the most significant anti-terror efforts in years. While details of the intended attack remain classified, security services confirm the arrests are tied to growing Iranian aggression toward the West, marking the 20th Iranian-linked plot disrupted in the UK since 2022.
British counterterrorism officers conducted synchronized raids across England, arresting eight men, including seven confirmed Iranian nationals. The operation represents what officials are calling the most significant "counter-state threat and counterterrorism" action in recent years, showcasing the growing Iranian threat to Western security.
UK 🇬🇧
🛑 Counter Terror Operations – Eight Arrested
UK police foiled terror plots.
Two police operations have resulted in 8 arrests, 7 of which are Iranians
The UK government should raise the terrorist threat level as major concerns are riased about Iranian sleeper cells. https://t.co/21iTqX6EFQ pic.twitter.com/rZR3tu0pBa— The Consultant (@TheConsultant18) May 4, 2025
Four of the suspects, aged between 29 and 46, were detained on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act targeting a specific location that authorities have not publicly identified. The fifth suspect arrested in the terror plot is still having his nationality confirmed, though investigators believe he has connections to the Iranian regime.
Heavily armed counter-terrorism units conducted raids in London, Manchester area, Swindon, Stockport, and Rochdale, arresting the suspects under the Terrorism Act. Eyewitness Kyle Warren from Rochdale described the dramatic scene, stating he "heard a massive bang" before seeing "20 or 30 police with guns" storm a residence.
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In a shocking revelation that has gripped the nation, British authorities have uncovered and thwarted a major terrorist plot orchestrated by Iranian operatives on UK soil. As reported on the front page of the… pic.twitter.com/SYNbPNocYX
— Andrea Shaffer, Employment/Labor Law (@Andreafreedom76) May 5, 2025
Warren further detailed the violent arrest, reporting: "We've seen a man getting pulled out from the back, basically got dragged down the side entry and thrown into all the bushes and then handcuffed." Forensic teams were subsequently observed meticulously searching the Rochdale property, with similar operations taking place at multiple locations as authorities gather evidence against the suspected terror cell.
This operation comes amid growing concerns about Iran's increasing aggression toward Western nations and their interests. MI5 head Ken McCallum previously warned about Tehran's expanding threat, revealing that British intelligence has disrupted 20 Iranian-backed plots since January 2022, most targeting Iranian dissidents residing in the United Kingdom.
TERROR: Iran is taking off the gloves. The UK just arrested 8 terror suspects accused of planning massive terror attacks against British citizens. How many Iranian terrorists are already here in the US? Are Democrat judges making it more difficult for DHS to deport and report… pic.twitter.com/uhtsdAedqR
— @amuse (@amuse) May 4, 2025
"The investigation relates to a suspected plot to target a specific premise," stated London's Metropolitan Police, underscoring the concrete nature of the disrupted threat. Leading the investigation, Dominic Murphy added that authorities are "exploring various lines of inquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter."
The UK's terror threat level currently stands at "substantial," indicating an attack is likely. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper characterized the arrests as evidence of "serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats," signaling potential policy changes to address the growing Iranian threat on British soil.
British Police Arrest Iranian Nationals in Counterterrorism Investigations – The New York Times
UK police arrest Iranian men over alleged attack plot in major counterterror operation – DNyuz