Three men stand trial in London accused of conducting surveillance on journalists and activists critical of the Iranian government, with prosecutors alleging a targeting operation linked to the Iranian regime. The case is being heard at Woolwich Crown Court.

The defendants—Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, from St John’s Wood; Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, from Kensal Rise; and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 57, from Ealing—are charged under the National Security Act. They are accused of carrying out surveillance and reconnaissance on individuals including journalists working for Iran International, a London-based Persian-language broadcaster known for its critical reporting on Iran, and Jonathan Turner, a founder member of UK Lawyers for Israel.

According to the prosecution, the men used platforms such as ChatGPT to research their targets online, gathering information on their whereabouts, routines, vehicles, and personal associates. They reportedly visited addresses linked to the subjects, taking photographs and videos. The surveillance activity is said to have taken place between August 2024 and March 2025.

Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC told the court that Sepahvand was intended to act as the operative who would carry out a "violent attack" against at least one target, allegedly as retribution for their criticism of the Iranian regime. Manesh and Noori are accused of assisting in planning and facilitating the surveillance, with the aim of enabling serious violence against those deemed hostile to the Iranian government.

The prosecution highlighted a pattern of threats against critics of Iran, referencing a 1989 Iranian leader’s call for the death of author Salman Rushdie, as well as the 2022 stabbing attack on Rushdie in New York, to contextualize the severity of the accused men’s alleged intentions.

While it is undisputed that the defendants conducted surveillance and reconnaissance, their defense presents contrasting narratives. Sepahvand acknowledges involvement but contends he was coerced or threatened into participating and claims to have deliberately performed poorly in his tasks. Manesh and Noori deny knowledge that their actions were supporting Iranian intelligence activities and deny all charges against them.

The men, who deny assisting a foreign intelligence service or participating in any violent plan, are being assisted by interpreters during the proceedings. The trial, which is ongoing, continues to examine the extent of the alleged espionage activities and their intended outcomes.