British counter-terrorism authorities have arrested a man and a woman in London on suspicion of assisting Iran’s foreign intelligence service. The Metropolitan Police said the two individuals, aged 60 and 42, were detained following searches at their residences in north and north-west London on June 24. A subsequent search of another property in north-west London took place on September 9 under the National Security Act.

Officials emphasized that the investigation is not connected to recent attacks on buildings and venues associated with Jewish and Iranian communities in London, which occurred amid heightened tensions stemming from the Iranian conflict with the United States and Israel. Authorities also indicated that the inquiry appears unrelated to activities during the Jewish high holy days.

Both suspects have been released on conditional bail, with a return date scheduled in October. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing in London, acknowledged public concern over the arrests but reassured that there is no believed imminent threat to the wider population connected to this case.

Flanagan highlighted an increase in counter-terrorism efforts related to national security and state threats over the past year, noting this investigation is part of an ongoing response to such risks. She stressed the importance of swift action when potential threats to public safety arise and urged the public to remain vigilant given the current terrorism threat level remains at severe. Authorities encourage people to report any suspicious activity to help maintain security.