Two men accused of conducting surveillance on Israeli and Jewish targets in London on behalf of Iran have pleaded not guilty at the Old Bailey court.
Nematollah Shahsavani, 41, a dual Iranian British national, and Alireza Farasati, 22, an Iranian citizen, denied one offence under Britain’s National Security Act when they appeared in court on Friday.
Prosecutors allege the men gathered information and carried out reconnaissance in July and August 2025. The reported targets included the Israeli Embassy, the Israeli Consulate and Bevis Marks Synagogue, described as Britain’s oldest synagogue. An unnamed individual considered of intelligence interest to Iran was also allegedly targeted.
The defendants were remanded in custody pending their next court appearance in February, with their trial scheduled to begin in April.
Iran has repeatedly denied involvement in hostile activities in Britain. British authorities have reported an increase in such threats since Hamas’s October 2023 attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
The allegations against the two men have not been proven in court.
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