Five Iranian nationals have been arrested across England in connection with a suspected plot to attack the Israeli embassy in London, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
Though police have not publicly named the embassy as the intended target, multiple reports indicate that it was the focus of the alleged plan.
The arrests, which took place on Saturday, involved coordinated raids in several cities including London, Swindon, Rochdale, Stockport, and Manchester. Four of the suspects remain in custody under anti-terrorism laws, while one was released on bail pending further investigation.
Authorities believe the suspects were preparing to carry out an attack on a specific location in the UK. The BBC has confirmed that the Israeli embassy in Kensington is at the center of the case, though the Metropolitan Police say they cannot confirm details at this stage due to the sensitivity and complexity of the operation.
The suspects, aged between 24 and 46, were taken into custody after what police described as a fast-moving and ongoing investigation. Counter-terrorism officers also searched several properties connected to the case, seizing evidence and conducting forensic analysis.
Footage from the raids showed heavily armed officers making arrests, including dramatic scenes in Rochdale and Swindon. In one case, a man was escorted from a house with plastic bags covering his arms—a method sometimes used to preserve potential forensic traces.
Iran has denied any involvement in the alleged plot. On social media, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi dismissed the accusations and said Tehran is willing to assist British authorities with their investigation.
UK officials say threats involving foreign state actors are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Speaking in Parliament, a Home Office minister described the arrests as part of one of the most significant counter-terrorism operations in recent years.
Security experts say attempts to target embassies are rare in the UK, but they reflect growing concern about covert activity linked to hostile states. Officials also pointed to a wider pattern of influence by Iranian-backed networks operating in Britain—through media, religious groups, and online propaganda.
While the investigation continues, police are urging the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. Authorities are expected to release further details when operationally safe to do so.