Iranian Foreign Minister Expresses Concern After Nationals Arrested in UK Counter-Terror Raids
London and Greater Manchester, UK - Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has expressed his "disturbance" following the arrest of eight Iranian nationals in the UK as part of ongoing counter-terrorism investigations. The arrests, conducted across Greater Manchester, London, and Swindon, have sparked concern and calls for a response from Iranian authorities.
The initial arrests took place on Saturday, May 3rd, with specialist officers targeting addresses on East Street in Rochdale, Heathbank Road in Stockport, and another undisclosed location in Manchester.
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The initial arrests took place on Saturday, May 3rd, with specialist officers targeting addresses on East Street in Rochdale, Heathbank Road in Stockport, and another undisclosed location in Manchester.
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These raids resulted in the arrest of three men. Two additional men were apprehended in Swindon and London as part of the same investigation, bringing the total linked to this initial phase to five.
In a separate but related development, Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of three more Iranian men in London in recent days, further intensifying the situation.
Foreign Minister Araghchi took to X on Tuesday evening to address the situation, stating he was "disturbed" by news of the arrests and urging the British state to "afford the suspects due process."
Searches continued in Greater Manchester on Tuesday, supported by the SAS, as part of the major counter-terrorism operation. Reports suggest the raids were intended to disrupt a terror plot targeting a "specific premises," believed to be located outside of Greater Manchester.
During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Mr. Jarvis declined to disclose the alleged target of the plot, citing security concerns. He emphasised, however, that the raids occurred against a backdrop of complex, interconnected threats to the UK, where state threats and counter-terrorism, as well as serious and organised crime, are intertwined together.
As of Tuesday evening, four of the suspects arrested on Saturday remain in custody. A fifth suspect, initially arrested in Manchester, has been released on bail with "strict" conditions, according to Metropolitan Police.
The arrests and the alleged thwarted plot have raised concerns about the nature of Iranian activity within the UK and the potential for future threats. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities continue their work.
In a separate but related development, Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of three more Iranian men in London in recent days, further intensifying the situation.
Foreign Minister Araghchi took to X on Tuesday evening to address the situation, stating he was "disturbed" by news of the arrests and urging the British state to "afford the suspects due process."
Disturbed to learn that Iranian citizens have reportedly been arrested by UK security services.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 6, 2025
If credible allegations of misconduct are established, Iran stands ready to assist investigations.
We call on UK to ensure respect for our citizens' rights and afford them due…
Searches continued in Greater Manchester on Tuesday, supported by the SAS, as part of the major counter-terrorism operation. Reports suggest the raids were intended to disrupt a terror plot targeting a "specific premises," believed to be located outside of Greater Manchester.
During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Mr. Jarvis declined to disclose the alleged target of the plot, citing security concerns. He emphasised, however, that the raids occurred against a backdrop of complex, interconnected threats to the UK, where state threats and counter-terrorism, as well as serious and organised crime, are intertwined together.
As of Tuesday evening, four of the suspects arrested on Saturday remain in custody. A fifth suspect, initially arrested in Manchester, has been released on bail with "strict" conditions, according to Metropolitan Police.
The arrests and the alleged thwarted plot have raised concerns about the nature of Iranian activity within the UK and the potential for future threats. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities continue their work.
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