A suspected Iranian terror plot targeting the Israeli Embassy in Kensington, West London, has been dramatically foiled by counter-terrorism officers just hours before an attack could have taken place.
Four Iranian men were arrested on Saturday, suspected of plotting an imminent attack that police say posed an “immediate risk to life.” The high-alert operation involved armed special forces raiding properties across Rochdale, Swindon, London, Manchester, and Stockport.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis called the foiled plot and a linked espionage case “some of the largest counter-state threats and counter-terrorism actions we have seen in recent times.”
While authorities initially withheld the target, it has now been confirmed that the heavily fortified Israeli Embassy — just metres from Kensington Palace — was the intended site.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper ordered urgent security reviews at embassies across the capital following the near-attack. She described the events as reflecting “the complexity of national security challenges” facing the UK today.
Police, supported by Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers and undercover teams, conducted high-risk raids — including a dramatic arrest inside a Swindon café.
Three other Iranian nationals were separately arrested on the same day under the National Security Act, suspected of espionage activities on behalf of Iran.
MI5 boss Sir Ken McCallum has recently warned of Iran plotting attacks across Europe at an “unprecedented pace and scale,” with growing fears Iranian-backed operatives could use criminal proxies to target UK citizens.
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, urged the public to stay vigilant, adding:
This is a fast-moving investigation. Speculation could have a serious impact.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has since demanded fair treatment for the arrested men, while denying any misconduct.
The UK’s intelligence community believes Iran has been behind at least 20 plots targeting journalists, dissidents, and Israeli interests in Britain since 2022.
