Dual UK-Iranian National Arrested in UK Terror Plot Investigation Released on Bail

A dual UK-Iranian national, arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts, has been released on bail.

The 25-year-old man was detained in Westminster, London, on Thursday in connection with events at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Sunday, September 27. Counter-terrorism police stated that searches of two properties in Westminster have concluded.

Five other men, all UK nationals from London aged between 23 and 25, remain on police bail. They were arrested near RAF Fairford on Sunday after a farmer reported seeing "three suspicious vehicles" at approximately 12:45 a.m. in the village of Whelford. Searches of their homes in Camden and Westminster were also conducted.

Specialist teams searched three vans found at the scene and discovered a quantity of petrol, but no explosive devices were found. Police had established a 400-meter cordon and evacuated 85 homes, with residents allowed to return on Wednesday.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing, indicated that the police response was based on "a range of information."

The incident has drawn international attention, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming he had warned UK authorities about an "Iranian-sponsored attack" shortly after Britain imposed a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Netanyahu stated that Israel provided intelligence about the suspected plot to the UK, suggesting it occurred before the trade ban was announced. He characterized the situation as "absurd" and warned of the dangers of an "Islamist-Marxist alliance."

U.S. President Donald Trump also indicated that American intelligence was aware of an Iranian plan concerning the airbase and had shared this information with the UK.

However, Iran's embassy in London has strongly denied any involvement in the Sunday incident.

A farmer who raised the alarm described seeing "three suspicious vehicles" and a "large group of hooded and masked men" on her way home. She believes her call to emergency services may have foiled any potential attack.

RAF Fairford has been utilized as a forward operating base for U.S. bomber jets conducting defensive strikes in the Middle East following recent conflict in the region. One of the vans involved in the incident had "Fuel 2You" printed on its exterior, though it is not believed to be associated with a legitimate company.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the events in Gloucestershire is ongoing.