Three Iranian nationals charged with spying offences have appeared in court.

Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, charged with offences under the National Security Act.

They are alleged to have targeted journalists working for Iran International , an independent media organisation based in London.

They are all charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist the Iranian foreign intelligence service between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025.

They arrived in the UK between 2016 and 2022 by irregular means, including by small boats and a lorry, and appeared in court via video link.

They spoke through a Farsi translator to confirm their identities.

Sepahvand, of St John's Wood, is also charged

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