UK National Security Act overseas enforcement and espionage threats
The developments in this story so far, most recent first.
-
Development
British national arrested in Cyprus over alleged spying for Iran
-
· date approximate Background
Alleged spying incidents occurred between 11 May and 22 June 2025.
In June 2025, reports emerged from the Cypriot press regarding the arrest of a 44-year-old British-Azerbaijani national from Islington, north London. The individual was detained on suspicion of espionage and terrorism-related offences, specifically suspected of spying on a British military base on behalf of Iran.
The alleged spying incidents are reported to have taken place between 11 May and 22 June 2025. This case marks the first time the UK's 2023 National Security Act has been used to investigate an alleged offence in an overseas territory.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, stated that the case demonstrates the ability to apply the National Security Act overseas when British military bases are allegedly targeted by hostile state activity.
-
· date approximate Background
An Iranian-type Shahed drone strike caused slight damage to facilities at Akrotiri.
On March 2, an Iranian-type Shahed drone strike struck military facilities at RAF Akrotiri. The attack caused slight damage to the site.
Shortly after the incident in early March, the United Kingdom announced that the Akrotiri base would not be included in its defensive agreement with the United States concerning the use of UK bases.
-
· date approximate Background
Iran reportedly fired two ballistic missiles at a US-UK military base on Diego Garcia.
In March, reports emerged that Iran fired two ballistic missiles at a US-UK military base located on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. While the projectiles were reported to have been launched toward the facility, they did not hit their target.
-
· date approximate Background
The UK's National Security Act was enacted.
The UK's 2023 National Security Act was enacted to address threats including the assistance of foreign intelligence services. It also covers the act of entering or inspecting prohibited places with a purpose prejudicial to the United Kingdom.
The Act has since been applied to investigations involving alleged offences in overseas territories, marking the first time the legislation has been used for such purposes.