Summary
Three Iranian nationals, Mostafa Sepahvand, Farhad Javadi Manesh, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, have been charged with spying offences related to targeting journalists at Iran International, a London-based media organization. The men, who entered the UK between 2016 and 2022 through irregular means, appeared in court via video link and face charges under the National Security Act, including engaging in conduct to assist the Iranian foreign intelligence service. A plea hearing is scheduled for September 26, with a provisional trial date set for October 5, 2026, following their arrest on May 3, which led to a diplomatic response from the UK government toward Iran.




