Four Arrested in London Over Alleged Iran-Linked Surveillance of Jewish Community

British counterterrorism police have arrested four men in north London on suspicion of assisting Iran’s intelligence services by carrying out surveillance linked to the city’s Jewish community , authorities said on Friday.

The Metropolitan Police said the suspects, one Iranian national and three dual British-Iranian nationals, were detained shortly after 1 a.m. during coordinated raids at addresses across north London . The men, aged 22, 40, 52 and 55 , were arrested on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service , with investigators believing they were involved in monitoring specific locations and individuals .

Police said searches are continuing at the properties linked to the suspects, while investigators examine documents , electronic devices and other materials that could reveal the scale of the suspected espionage activities .

In a related operation, six other men were arrested in Harrow , west London, on suspicion of assisting an offender. Authorities said all of them have been taken into custody as the investigation continues. Commander Helen Flanagan, who oversees counterterrorism policing in London, said authorities understand the public may be concerned and urged people to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

Authorities say the case highlights how surveillance activities linked to foreign intelligence services are treated as serious national security offences in Britain. Under the National Security Act 2023 , gathering information, monitoring individuals or photographing locations on behalf of a foreign state can be considered assisting a foreign intelligence service.

Security experts note that such surveillance can reveal security arrangements, daily routines and potential vulnerabilities at community institutions or events. Information gathered in this way could potentially enable intimidation campaigns, threats or even attacks carried out later by others.

The arrests come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East , as the United States and Israel continue strikes targeting Iran while Tehran carries out retaliatory attacks across the region. Although Britain is not involved in offensive operations, it has been assisting allied efforts in regional defense while security agencies remain alert to possible foreign intelligence activities within the country.