Iranian Nationals Face National Security Act Charges in Plot Against UK Journalists

The trial of three Iranian men accused of plotting “serious violence” against London-based critics of the Iranian government opened at Woolwich Crown Court on October 6, 2026. Prosecutors allege the men were operating as agents for Iranian intelligence, conducting surveillance and planning attacks on journalists and a high-profile lawyer.

The defendants—Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 57—are charged under the National Security Act 2023 with assisting a foreign intelligence service. This prosecution marks the first time Iranian nationals have been charged under this specific legislation, which was designed to bolster the UK’s ability to combat state-sponsored threats and foreign interference.

Prosecutors allege the defendants conducted detailed surveillance on journalists between 2024 and 2025.

Allegations of Targeted Violence

Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC told the court that the group’s “ultimate objective” was to subject their targets to physical harm as retribution for their public criticism of the Iranian regime. The alleged targets included Mojtaba Pourmohsen and Kambiz Hosseini, both journalists for the Persian-language news channel Iran International, as well as Jonathan Turner, a founder of UK Lawyers for Israel.

According to the prosecution, the surveillance was detailed and invasive. Evidence presented to the jury included records showing that the defendants had obtained personal details about their targets, such as the name of Kambiz Hosseini’s dog. The crown alleges these activities took place between August 2024 and March 2025.

One of the most significant pieces of evidence cited by the prosecution is a voice note allegedly sent by Sepahvand. In the recording, he reportedly offered to “finish off” one of the targets in exchange for a payment of £150,000 and the dismissal of a theft conviction he faced in Iran.

Defense Arguments and Legal Context

The defendants have offered differing explanations for their actions. According to reporting from The Guardian, Sepahvand has acknowledged some knowledge of the operation but claims he was coerced into participating through “bullying” and threats. In contrast, Manesh and Noori have denied any awareness that they were assisting Iranian intelligence services, suggesting they were unaware of the true nature of the mission.

The trial comes amid heightened tensions between London and Tehran over the safety of dissident journalists in the UK. This case is seen as a major test of the UK’s new legal framework for prosecuting alleged state-backed intimidation on British soil.

The proceedings at Woolwich Crown Court are expected to continue as the jury examines further intelligence assessments and surveillance data gathered during the multi-month investigation.

The post Iranian Nationals Face National Security Act Charges in Plot Against UK Journalists appeared first on World Weekly News.