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Two people, believed to include an Iranian national, were arrested Thursday after attempting to enter Britain's nuclear submarine base at Faslane in Scotland, The Sun newspaper reported Friday.
Two other Iranian men also appeared in a London court, charged with spying on Jewish targets, including the Israeli Embassy.
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Police Scotland confirmed the arrests in a statement: "Around 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 19 March 2026, we were made aware of two people attempting to enter HM Naval Base Clyde. A 34-year-old man and 31-year-old woman have been arrested in connection, and enquiries are ongoing."
The statement did not comment on their nationality.
The Royal Navy said the suspects "unsuccessfully attempted to enter HM Naval Base Clyde on Thursday 19 March," adding: "As the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation, we will not comment further."
According to the Sun, the man is believed to be an Iranian national. The woman's nationality was unknown.
A defense source told the Sun the suspects had attempted to drive into the base on Thursday afternoon, were turned away by Ministry of Defense Police, remained in the vicinity in their vehicle, and were "acting suspiciously."
The military and civilian police then moved in on the couple in their car. Sniffer dogs searched the vehicle for explosives as the base was placed on lockdown. The arrests were not part of a preplanned operation by security authorities, the Sun reported.
HMNB Clyde, located 25 miles northwest of Glasgow on the west coast of Scotland, hosts the Royal Navy's nuclear deterrent submarines armed with Trident 2 missiles, as well as Astute-class hunter-killer submarines. Both types are powered by nuclear reactors.
Ministry of Defense Police and Royal Marine Commandos from the 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group jointly protect the base.
Both armed units were placed on their highest alert following the incident.
The major security alert at Faslane came as Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, and Alireza Farasati, 22, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, suspected of spying on Jewish targets, including the Israeli Embassy in London, a Jewish community center, and Britain's oldest synagogue.
The pair were arrested earlier this month after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. Most of their alleged spying is said to have taken place in July and August, weeks after the U.S. and Israel bombed Iran's nuclear sites.
Hostilities in the region have escalated since Israel and the U.S. launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, so far killing over 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while also disrupting global markets and aviation.
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