British police have arrested eight people, seven of whom are Iranian nationals, in two separate counter-terrorist operations over the weekend. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “These are major operations that have taken place and the ongoing investigation is immensely important, and of course it involves Iranian nationals in both investigations and we are supporting the police and the security agencies in the investigations that they are taking and the security assessments that they are doing. “But this reflects the complexity of the kinds of challenges to our national security that we continue to face that we have set out and that is why protecting our national security including supporting these extremely professional operations and investigations remains our top priority.” The Metropolitan Police said five men, including four Iranian nationals, were arrested across England on Saturday on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act which would, “target a single premises.” The police said as part of the operation a 46-year-old man had been arrested in west London, a 29-year-old man had been detained in Swindon, in the west of England, two men, aged 29 and 40 had been arrested in Stockport and Rochdale, near Manchester. The fifth man, whose age has not yet been ascertained, was also detained in the Manchester area. The statement said: “The investigation relates to a suspected plot to target a specific premises. Officers have been in contact with the affected site to make them aware and provide relevant advice and support, but for operational reasons, we are not able to provide further information at this time.” Murphy said: “The investigation is still in its early stages and we are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter.” Counter-terrorism officers spent Sunday searching several properties in London, Swindon, and the Manchester area. Forensic officers in blue overalls were seen entering a house in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. “Since January 2022, with police partners, we have responded to 20 Iran-backed plots presenting potentially lethal threats to British citizens and UK residents.” MI5—which comes under the Home Office—tackles domestic threats while MI6 is Britain’s foreign intelligence service. He was later jailed for three years and six months for attempting to collect information useful for terrorism. Iran International channel has been branded a terrorist organisation by the regime in Tehran after it covered massive protests in several Iranian cities in September 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, who was detained by the morality police for not wearing a veil. They have been extradited to the UK and face trial later this year.