UK police say 4 men arrested on suspicion of aiding Iran by spying on Jewish community

London police said Friday that four men have been arrested on suspicion of aiding Iran by spying on the Jewish community.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said the suspects — one Iranian and three dual British-Iranian nationals — were taken into custody on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.

The men, who were arrested at addresses in and around north London shortly after 1 a.m., are suspected of spying on locations and individuals.

A property in Watford, Hertfordshire, is being searched by counter-terrorism police on March 6, 2026, in connection with the arrest of four men accused of spying for Iran. Jacqueline Lawrie/LNP/Shutterstock Police search the property in Watford, Hertfordshire. Jacqueline Lawrie/LNP/Shutterstock London police said Friday that four men have been arrested on suspicion of aiding Iran by spying on the Jewish community. Jacqueline Lawrie/LNP/Shutterstock

Police said the men arrested are aged 22, 40, 52 and 55 and that searches are ongoing at the addresses as well as other properties nearby.

Six other men were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and have been taken into custody, the force said.

“We understand the public may be concerned, in particular the Jewish community, and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us,” said Commander Helen Flanagan, who is in charge of counterterrorism policing in London.

Police are checking the engine and undercarriage of a teal-colored Skoda in a road in Finchley, believed to be linked to four arrests made on Friday morning on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. ZUMAPRESS.com

The arrests come as the US and Israel continue to strike Iran, which has kept up retaliatory strikes on Israel, US bases and across the region. 

Britain is not involved in offensive operations but is assisting in regional defense.