Londoners Charged in Alleged Iran-Backed Terror Plot

Two men from London have been charged under the National Security Act in connection with alleged Iran-backed terrorist plots. Mohamed Abdulkarim, 24, and Nouman Essghir, 24, both of London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The charges are linked to preparatory activities for an incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

Allegations Against the London Men

Abdulkarim is accused of acting as an intermediary for an Iranian handler, identified only as 'Ali'. Essghir faces charges related to entering a prohibited place for purposes prejudicial to the United Kingdom, specifically alleged reconnaissance around RAF Fairford approximately one month before the incident on September 27. The US Department of Justice alleges that Mohammed Ali al-Hassani, a dual Iranian Iraqi national, directed and paid associates in the UK to conduct preparatory steps and arrange logistics for the RAF Fairford plot from Iran.

Mastermind Stripped of UK Citizenship

Al-Hassani, who is charged in the US with masterminding 18 Iran-backed terrorist plots in Europe, was reportedly stripped of his British citizenship last month due to national security concerns. The Times reported that the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, informed Al-Hassani of the decision. Al-Hassani allegedly left the UK weeks after the US went to war with Iran in February. He and another individual, Mohsen Mohajeri, are accused of using a network of contacts in the UK to orchestrate the Fairford plot. A third man, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, is accused of smuggling coded messages from a US jail.

US officials allege Al-Hassani paid an unnamed individual to conduct pre-operational surveillance of RAF Fairford’s perimeter. He is also accused of tasking and paying several individuals to help prepare for the plot, including procuring vans and barrels of fuel, researching chemical accelerants like potassium chloride, and purchasing metallic objects for shrapnel. The vans were allegedly outfitted to appear as if used by a fuel delivery and a swimming pool supply business. Al-Hassani was reportedly in frequent communication with the van drivers on the morning of the incident. Iran has denied any involvement in the events.

Government Response

A Home Office spokesperson stated that commenting on ongoing legal proceedings would be inappropriate. However, the spokesperson added that it is 'no secret that we face a range of serious threats from Iran and this Government will continue to face them down, supporting our police and intelligence agencies with record funding and new powers to detect threats and keep us safe'.

What Happens Next

The cases involving Mohamed Abdulkarim and Nouman Essghir will proceed through the courts. Further details on the US charges against Mohammed Ali al-Hassani and his co-accused are available through the US Department of Justice.