Iran denies role in alleged plot targeting Israeli embassy in London

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 May 2025 11:49

Tehran rejects UK media claims of Iranian involvement in plot targeting Israeli embassy, urging due process and warning of possible false flag operations.

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A sign stands in front of the New Scotland Yard, the headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police, in London, on September 25, 2023. (AP/Kin Cheung)

Tehran has categorically denied allegations published by Western media linking Iranian nationals to a reported plot targeting the Israeli embassy in London.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the claims in a statement on 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.

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

Iran in no uncertain terms categorically rejects any involvement in such actions and confirms that we have not been informed of any…
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 7, 2025

British authorities have detained eight men, including seven Iranian nationals, in two separate investigations tied to national security concerns.

London’s Metropolitan Police announced on Sunday that five individuals, four of whom are Iranian, were arrested on suspicion of “preparation of a terrorist act.” The arrests were part of a “pre-planned” operation into an alleged scheme to “target specific premises,” according to the police.

Separately, three other Iranian nationals were taken into custody on Saturday in north-west and west London. The Metropolitan Police said the men, aged 39, 44, and 55, were arrested under section 27 of the National Security Act of 2023, which was introduced to address threats from hostile states.

Tehran calls for engagement and due process

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.

“Disturbed to learn that Iranian citizens have reportedly been arrested by UK security services,” he wrote in an earlier post, adding that Tehran expects British authorities to respect the legal rights of those detained.

Disturbed to learn that Iranian citizens have reportedly been arrested by UK security services.

If credible allegations of misconduct are established, Iran stands ready to assist investigations.

We call on UK to ensure respect for our citizens' rights and afford them due…
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 6, 2025

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

“Timing and lack of engagement suggest that something is amiss,” he stated, alluding to the possibility that the reports may be part of a false flag operation aimed at escalating tensions and undermining dialogue.