Three Iranian men face London trial over alleged plot to attack dissident journalists
A trial has opened at Woolwich Crown Court against three Iranian nationals accused of tracking Persian-language journalists and an Israeli advocacy group founder in London to stage violent attacks for Tehran.
Alleged surveillance in London
Prosecution at Woolwich Crown Court opened proceedings on 6 October 2026 against three Iranian nationals accused of conducting espionage for Iran's foreign intelligence service. Mostafa Sepahvand (41), Farhad Javadi Manesh (46), and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori (57) face charges under the National Security Act for actions between August 2024 and March 2025. Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC told the jury that the defendants conducted reconnaissance on UK-based journalists working for Iran International, a Persian-language satellite channel based in London. The prosecution stated that the surveillance also targeted Jonathan Turner, a barrister and founding member of UK Lawyers for Israel. According to court submissions, the operation aimed to facilitate physical violence against at least one of the monitored individuals.
Their ultimate objective was that one, perhaps more than one, of these targets would be subjected to serious violence, no doubt as retribution for their criticism of the Iranian regime and to try to silence and deter others.
Digital reconnaissance and financial offers
The jury heard evidence that the defendants conducted physical and digital surveillance, including using ChatGPT to research their targets. In December 2024, Noori took photographs of a block of flats in Brentford, southwest London, where Iran International journalist Mojtaba Pourmohsen resided. Briefing documents recovered from Sepahvand's mobile phone contained images of Pourmohsen, his workplace, and a hotel where he had stayed. Communications among the group showed detailed knowledge of broadcaster Kambiz Hosseini, including the make and colour of his car as well as the name of his dog. In an audio recording played in court, Sepahvand discussed attacking a target for £150,000 ($199,000), alongside an initial advance of £10,000.
Wherever they tell me, I'll go there and stand there. If the person is inside, they pay the £150,000, and I'll finish him/her off.
Defence positions and trial scope
All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service. While the defendants admitted visiting the specified locations and recording photos and videos, they disputed their intent and knowledge. Sepahvand stated that he acted out of fear after receiving threats, arguing that he intentionally conducted poor surveillance. The prosecution rejected this account as bogus, arguing that he sought monetary payment and assistance in overturning a theft conviction in Iran. Manesh and Noori maintained that they had no awareness of assisting Iranian state intelligence during their activities.
- Alleged surveillance of dissident journalists in London begins
- Photographs taken of journalist residential complex in Brentford
- Charged surveillance period concludes under the indictment
- Criminal trial opens at Woolwich Crown Court in London
Proceedings and state security measures
The trial at Woolwich Crown Court is scheduled to last up to six weeks. The charges brought against the three men rely on Britain's National Security Act, legislation enacted to provide authorities with expanded powers against foreign state threats. Iran International broadcasts into Iran and has been designated a terrorist organisation by the government in Tehran. The court heard that Sepahvand was in direct contact with individuals using Iranian telephone numbers while coordinating surveillance in London. Proceedings will continue with testimony examining the digital records, vehicle tracking, and communications recovered during the investigation.
