# Two Iranian Men Convicted of Espionage in the United Kingdom

The individuals monitored journalists and critics of the Iranian regime on British soil.

- **Source:** [Notícias ao Minuto](https://www.noticiasaominuto.com)
- **Published:** 2026-11-12
- **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics)
- **Original article:** <
                https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/3083258/dois-homens-iranianos-culpados-de-espionagem-no-reino-unido#utm_source=rss-ultima-hora&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rssfeed
                >
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e2775d59-a908-4c44-96de-9acc324f9357

## Guilty Verdict for Espionage

Two Iranian nationals, 41-year-old Mostafa Sepahvand and 46-year-old Farhad Javadi Manesh, were found guilty of espionage at Woolwich Crown Court. The pair conducted surveillance on journalists working for a Persian-language television channel in London. A third defendant, Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, was acquitted of all charges following the six-week trial.

## Links to Revolutionary Guard

The defendants were convicted of performing acts intended to assist the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The UK government officially proscribed this organization in July under state threat legislation. Convictions for supporting or assisting this group carry potential prison sentences of up to 14 years, reflecting the severity of the security breach.

## Surveillance Tactics and Targets

The men targeted journalists Mojtaba Pourmohsen and Kambiz Hosseini, alongside Jonathan Turner of UK Lawyers for Israel. They visited specific addresses, captured photographic evidence, and recorded videos of their targets. Prosecutors noted the defendants even utilized ChatGPT to conduct research on their victims, demonstrating a calculated approach to gathering sensitive intelligence.

## Intervention Before Potential Violence

Prosecutor Frank Ferguson confirmed that the defendants were promised rewards for sending secret information back to Iran. Evidence suggested Sepahvand was prepared to escalate beyond mere surveillance to commit acts of serious violence. Fortunately, law enforcement authorities successfully intervened and detained the individuals before any physical attacks could be carried out.

## Escalating State-Sponsored Threats

London Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans warned that threats from hostile states are rising. Iran is increasingly adapting its strategy by utilizing proxies, ranging from short-term visitors to permanent residents. This incident marks the fourth case in recent years involving direct threats against journalists associated with the Iran International news channel.

## Advocacy for Journalist Safety

Reporters Without Borders welcomed the convictions while urging the UK to bolster protections for exiled journalists. Director Felicity Garvey emphasized that the UK must not become a fertile ground for authoritarian regimes to intimidate or silence critics. Journalists who have sought refuge must be able to continue their work without fear of harassment.

## Broader Security Context

British counter-terrorism units are currently investigating several incidents linked to Iranian proxies, including attacks on the Jewish community in London. Recent events include the arson of four community ambulances and a suspected plot targeting a US military airbase. These incidents underscore the complex security landscape currently facing the United Kingdom's intelligence services.

## Upcoming Sentencing Procedures

The two convicted men are scheduled to receive their sentences on December 17 at the Old Bailey in London. While the Iranian Embassy has rejected all allegations regarding involvement in violent activities, the judicial outcome confirms the state's role in these operations. The case remains a significant point of diplomatic tension.

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._