Iran ambassador in UK summoned after spying charges 

Britain has summoned Iran’s ambassador following the charging of two men accused of allegedly assisting Iranian intelligence.

The UK government said the move came after charges were filed last week against one Iranian national and one man holding both British and Iranian citizenship.

The two suspects appeared in a London court, accused of collecting information and carrying out surveillance on Jewish sites in Britain. Prosecutors said they worked for Iranian intelligence services over a five-week period last summer.

“National security remains our top priority, and we take threats posed by Iran and those who do its bidding extremely seriously,” the UK Foreign Office said.

“This government will take all measures necessary to protect the British people, including exposing Iran’s reckless and destabilising actions at home and abroad.”

According to prosecutors, the men, Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, and Alireza Farasati, 22, were asked to monitor targets including the Israeli Embassy, Britain’s oldest synagogue, and other Jewish sites.

They have not entered any plea and remain in custody. Their next court hearing is scheduled for April 17 at London’s Old Bailey Court.

UK lawmakers and the domestic intelligence agency MI5 have repeatedly warned about threats linked to Iran.

Authorities have accused Tehran of involvement in more than 20 suspected plots, including kidnappings and assassinations.

Iran ambassador in UK summoned after spying charges