“Disturbed to learn that Iranian citizens have reportedly been arrested by UK security services,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a post on his X account on Tuesday night.
“If credible allegations of misconduct are established, Iran stands ready to assist investigations,” he added.
“We call on UK to ensure respect for our citizens' rights and afford them due process,” the foreign minister stated.
The British police said five men aged between 29 and 46 were detained on Saturday in various parts of England on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Four are Iranian citizens and the nationality of the fifth is still being established.
Three other Iranian men were arrested in London on suspicion of a national security offense as part of a separate investigation, police said. All the suspects are being questioned at police stations and have not been charged.