Full Breakdown
Iranian Nationals Charged with Surveillance of Israeli Sites in London
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Nematollah Shahsavani, 41, a dual Iranian-British national, and Alireza Farasati, 22, an Iranian national, appeared at London’s Old Bailey on October 9 and pleaded not guilty to a single offence under the National Security Act. Prosecutors allege the pair were tasked by Iran’s intelligence services to gather information and conduct reconnaissance on the Israeli Embassy, the Israeli Consulate, London’s Bevis Marks Synagogue (Britain’s oldest synagogue), and an unnamed individual “of intelligence interest” to Iran. The alleged surveillance took place in July and August 2025.
Background and Context
The case follows a series of recent UK investigations into alleged Iranian activity on British soil. Britain has publicly accused Iran of orchestrating a suspected plot against the US-linked RAF Fairford military base, leading to the arrest (and later bail) of seven men and the subsequent removal of US B-1 bombers from the base. Iran has denied involvement in that plot and any hostile activity in the United Kingdom.
Official Statements & Responses
After the charges were filed in March, Britain’s Foreign Office said it had summoned Iran’s ambassador to the UK for diplomatic discussion. Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb noted that, in addition to the embassy and synagogue, the defendants were alleged to have targeted an unnamed individual of intelligence interest to Iran. Iranian officials have rejected the accusations, stating that Iran is not engaged in hostile operations in Britain.
Data & Statistics
- 9 July 2025 – 15 August 2025: Period during which the alleged surveillance was carried out.
- 14 August 2025: Farasati’s electronic devices were seized during a police stop.
- 9 October 2025: Shahsavani and Farasati appeared at the Old Bailey and entered not-guilty pleas.
- 12 February 2026: A further pre-trial hearing was scheduled by Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb.
- 26 April 2027: Trial is set to begin at the Old Bailey.
What’s Next
The defendants remain in custody pending their trial, which is scheduled to start on 26 April 2027. A pre-trial hearing is slated for 12 February 2026, where additional procedural matters will be addressed. The outcome will determine whether the alleged Iranian-directed surveillance leads to convictions under the United Kingdom’s National Security Act.