Hussain Hazbavi 
At least one of the five Iranian nationals arrested in the United Kingdom over the weekend is reported to have close ties to the Iranian regime, according to The Telegraph, which cited an informed source.
The individual, whose family is said to own prominent businesses in Iran, is described as being “very well connected” to the leadership in Tehran. His arrest came during a major coordinated operation led by Counter Terrorism Policing and UK Special Forces. The operation spanned multiple cities, including London, Manchester, Rochdale, Stockport, and Swindon, and targeted an alleged terror plot.
British authorities believe the suspects were just hours away from carrying out an attack on what police referred to as a “specific premises.” Four men, aged between 29 and 46, remain in custody under the Terrorism Act 2006, following court approval for extended detention. A fifth man, aged 24 and arrested in Manchester, has been released on conditional bail.
Security experts say the involvement of Iranian nationals—rather than local proxies—in an alleged plot may signal a significant shift in Iran’s operational approach abroad. If confirmed, this case could reflect more direct engagement by individuals linked to the Islamic Republic.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, noted that the investigation remains in its early stages, calling it “complex and national in scale.” He emphasized that public safety remains the top priority and urged the public to report any suspicious activity while avoiding speculation.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the operation as one of the most significant counter-terrorism and counter-state threat actions in recent years, commending the efforts of the UK’s security services.
