Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Israeli occupation forces bombing the Gaza Strip
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Ceasefire in Gaza takes effect
The Kremlin: Negotiations toward a settlement in Ukraine are currently at a complete standstill
Abu Mujahid: The steadfastness of the Palestinian people and the Resistance thwarted the displacement plan and allowed us to secure the best possible terms in an agreement to halt the genocidal war
Abu Mujahid: We salute whosoever made sacrifices in support of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the martyred Sayyed Nasrallah and Sayyed Safieddine, as well as the people of Yemen and Iran
Abu Mujahid, head of the media office of the Popular Resistance Committees, to Al Mayadeen: The people of Gaza have sacrificed and given their most precious offerings for the Al-Aqsa Flood
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Gaza: Israeli artillery shelling targeted Khan Younis and the al-Bureij and al-Maghazi refugee camps
Captives may be released as early as Saturday and by Monday at the latest: Source briefed on the details of the agreement.
Netanyahu set to convene security cabinet at 1500 (1200GMT) and government at 1600 (1300GMT) to approve the deal: Source briefed on the details of the agreement
Within the first 24 hours, the Israeli military will complete the first phase of partial withdrawal: Source briefed on the details of the agreement

Iran condemns UK over arrests of nationals, citing political motives

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites
  • 19 May 2025 12:05
  • 1 Shares
3 Min Read

UK police have arrested five Iranian nationals in multiple cities under anti-terrorism laws, prompting Tehran to demand explanations and accuse London of denying them consular rights.

Listen
  • x
  • Police officers patrol outside the London offices of the political party Reform UK, ahead of an anti-far right protest, in London, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. (AP)
    Police officers patrol outside the London offices of the political party Reform UK in London, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. (AP)

Tehran has formally protested the arrest of several Iranian nationals in the United Kingdom, denouncing the actions as politically motivated and legally indefensible. The move adds new strain to Iran-UK relations amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.

On Sunday, the director of the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s Third Western European Department met with the British charge d’affaires in Tehran to register a “strong protest” against what Iranian officials described as baseless allegations targeting the Islamic Republic.

According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, the arrests "violate the accepted rules and standards of international law and human rights."

The official said that the detained individuals had been “charged without any evidence” and criticized British authorities for denying them consular access and necessary protections.

“These actions are politically motivated,” the Iranian official warned, adding that the UK government “is fully responsible” for the fallout from what Iran perceives as pressure tactics against its citizens abroad.

Arrest details and locations confirmed by UK authorities

British media reported the arrest of four Iranian men on Saturday under the UK’s Terrorism Act. UK police confirmed the individuals were taken into custody in various regions: a 29-year-old in Swindon, a 46-year-old in west London, a 29-year-old in Stockport, and a 40-year-old in Rochdale.

Authorities stated that all four were released the same day after police obtained “various warrants of further detention.”

Related News

After 2 yrs. of genocide, Gaza deal backed regionally, internationally

Kosovo receives Turkish kamikaze drones, Serbia condemns move

Investigations remain active, with searches ongoing across multiple locations, including Greater Manchester, London, Swindon, and High Wycombe.

In a separate case, a fifth man, aged 24, had previously been arrested in Manchester under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. He has since been released on bail with conditions, pending a court appearance scheduled for May.

Ongoing investigations and rising diplomatic tensions

UK authorities have not released detailed charges against the detained individuals, citing the sensitivity of ongoing investigations.

However, Tehran has framed the arrests as part of a broader campaign of “political persecution” of Iranian nationals in Western countries.

The protest follows a pattern of growing diplomatic friction between Iran and the United Kingdom over recent months, particularly around intelligence and security allegations.

Iran has called on the UK to respect international obligations, warning that any perceived violations of consular rights or due process could have broader consequences for bilateral relations.

In a similar vein, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the claims in a statement last Thursday, asserting that Tehran has not received any formal communication regarding such allegations through appropriate diplomatic channels.

“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,” Araghchi wrote on his X account.

Araghchi emphasized Iran’s willingness to assist in any credible investigation, criticizing the UK government’s failure to communicate with Tehran directly, with concern over the political timing and lack of transparency.

In his remarks, Araghchi cautioned against the involvement of external actors seeking to sabotage diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Western nations.

As the investigations continue, the arrests have become another flashpoint in already strained diplomatic ties, with Iran urging British authorities to cease actions it views as unlawful and politically charged.

  • United Kingdom
  • Iran

Most Read

Tucker Carlson speaks at a memorial for Charlie Kirk, Sunday, September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (AP)

Tucker Carlson: Israeli officers gave orders on Iran inside Pentagon

  • Politics
  • 2 Oct 2025
A Hamas fighter in combat fatigues stands before the ceremony for the handover of Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, February 22, 2025 (AP)

Hamas responds to Trump plan, backs Gaza withdrawal, exchange

  • Politics
  • 3 Oct 2025
Mossad’s secret role in Aldo Moro’s 1978 murder revealed

Mossad’s secret role in Aldo Moro’s 1978 murder exposed

  • Politics
  • 5 Oct 2025
The Palestinian resistance and the people of Gaza showed that after combating Israeli aggression for two years, they remain victorious in the face of oppression (Mahdi Rteil/Al Mayadeen English)

Al-Aqsa Flood two years on, a tale of victory

  • Politics
  • 6 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
An Israeli armored vehicle moves on a street of a local market during a military raid in the West Bank refugee camp of Balata, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Israeli settlers kill Palestinian youth near Ramallah amid raids

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks during the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran interested in resuming nuclear talks: Lavrov

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during a news conference at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Washington, April 25, 2025 (AP)
Politics

IMF head flags US budget, Europe defense spending challenges

Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at UN headquarters (AP)
Politics

Meloni faces ICC complaint over Gaza genocide complicity with Israelis

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS