Iran Rejects Media Stories about Involvement in Plot to Target London Embassy

Following Western media reports about Iranian nationals being involved in the alleged plot, Araqchi said in a post on his X account on Thursday that Tehran has not been informed of any allegations via proper diplomatic channels.

“We are seeing stories in the media that Iranian nationals are allegedly involved in a supposed plot to target the Israeli embassy in London,” he wrote.

“Iran in no uncertain terms categorically rejects any involvement in such actions and confirms that we have not been informed of any allegations via proper diplomatic channels.

“Iran has urged the UK to engage so that we may assist any probe into credible allegations. Timing and lack of engagement suggest that something is amiss.

“There is a history of third parties bent on derailing diplomacy and provoking escalation, resorting to desperate measures, including false flag operations,” Araqchi added.

“Iran stands ready to engage to shed light on what has truly transpired, and we reiterate that UK authorities should afford our citizens due process.”

The United Kingdom has arrested eight men, including seven Iranian nationals, as part of two investigations regarding alleged threats to national security.

London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests on Sunday, saying five men, including four Iranian nationals, were detained on suspicion of “preparation of a terrorist act” while the other three were being held under national security legislation introduced in 2023 to counter the actions of hostile states.

They were arrested as part of a "pre-planned" investigation into an alleged plot to "target specific premises," the Metropolitan Police said, adding that the "affected site" was made aware and is being supported by police.

As part of a separate investigation led by the Met, three other Iranian men were arrested in London on Saturday.

The Met said three men — aged 39, 44 and 55 — were arrested under section 27 the National Security Act at separate addresses in north-west and west London, and had been taken into custody while searches continued.

In a post on his X social media account on Tuesday, the Iranian foreign minister called on the UK to respect the rights of Iranians arrested in Britain, underscoring Tehran's readiness to assist investigations into the incident.

“Disturbed to learn that Iranian citizens have reportedly been arrested by UK security services,” Araqchi wrote.