According to the Metropolitan Police, the suspects were detained during early-morning raids carried out by counter-terrorism officers in several areas of north London, including Barnet, Harrow and Watford. The arrests were made shortly after 01:00am on Friday as part of a long-running investigation into suspected foreign intelligence operations.

Police said the four men aged 22, 40, 52 and 55 are suspected of assisting a foreign intelligence service by conducting surveillance on locations and individuals associated with London’s Jewish community. Investigators believe the activities may have been carried out on behalf of Iranian intelligence.

Authorities confirmed that one of the suspects is an Iranian national, while the other three hold dual British-Iranian citizenship. All four men remain in custody while police continue their investigation.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the operation is part of a broader effort to address suspected foreign interference and espionage activities in the United Kingdom. She also urged the public particularly members of the Jewish community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities.

In a related development, police said six additional men were arrested in Harrow on suspicion of assisting an offender. Investigators are continuing searches at several properties as part of the ongoing inquiry.

The arrests come amid growing concerns in the UK and across Europe about foreign intelligence operations targeting communities, journalists and political figures. British authorities have increasingly warned about potential espionage activities linked to hostile states.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not yet announced whether the suspects will face formal charges.

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