British counter-terrorism police have arrested four men suspected of conducting surveillance on Jewish community locations and individuals in London on behalf of Iran, in what authorities described as a pre-planned national security operation.

The Metropolitan Police said the arrests took place shortly after one o’clock in the morning during coordinated raids in the north-west London areas of Barnet, Harrow and Watford.

The suspects, aged between twenty-two and fifty-five, include one Iranian national and three dual British-Iranian citizens.

They were detained under the United Kingdom’s National Security Act of twenty twenty-three on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.

Investigators believe the men were engaged in surveillance of specific individuals and locations associated with the Jewish community.

Police have said the inquiry is ongoing and that searches of several properties linked to the suspects are continuing as officers examine electronic devices and other materials for evidence.

During the operation, six additional men were arrested at a property in Harrow.

Five were detained on suspicion of assisting an offender, while another was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer during the raid.

All ten individuals were taken into custody as the investigation expanded.

Senior counter-terrorism officials acknowledged that the arrests may cause concern, particularly within Britain’s Jewish community, and urged the public to remain vigilant while authorities continue their inquiries.

Security patrols and protective measures around sensitive sites have been strengthened as a precaution.

The investigation comes amid heightened geopolitical tension and growing scrutiny of alleged Iranian intelligence activities in Europe.

British security services have previously warned that Iranian-linked networks have attempted multiple plots on UK soil in recent years, often targeting dissidents or individuals connected to Israel.

Government officials praised the work of police and intelligence agencies in identifying and disrupting suspected hostile activity before it could escalate into a broader threat.

The case also highlights the expanded powers granted under the National Security Act, which was introduced to counter espionage and other activities linked to foreign states.

Authorities stressed that the arrests form part of a long-running investigation into suspected foreign intelligence operations and that no final conclusions have yet been reached.

Detectives continue to assess whether the alleged surveillance was connected to potential attacks or other forms of intimidation directed at Jewish institutions in Britain.