Iran May Be Linked to Suspected Terror Plot Near US-Used RAF Base, UK Official Suggests
Andy Burnham states 'strong indications' of Iranian involvement in incident near RAF Fairford, where five men were arrested and later bailed.
British officials have indicated "strong indications" that Iran may be involved in a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford, a base in Gloucestershire used by U.S. bombers. Five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses and terrorism following the incident early Sunday morning but have since been released on bail.
The base has recently served as a launch point for U.S. airstrikes against Iran. Speculation about Iran's potential role has surfaced, with investigators considering its past use of proxies to conduct operations abroad. Iran's embassy in London has denied any involvement.
Andy Burnham, speaking to GB News, confirmed the "strong indications" of Iranian participation. He described the ongoing investigation as "very serious" and involving close cooperation with the United States. A Cobra meeting was held during the week to address the situation.
Suspicious details surrounding the incident have emerged. A farmer alerted authorities after discovering three vans blocking a road near the base. One van displayed "Fuel 2You" branding, which is not linked to a legitimate company of that name. The phone number on the van used a spacing format common in Iran, and the red logo was noted as unusual for a UK fuel supplier, as red is the color of petrol pumps in Iran.
A video captured by a resident's security camera shows a police robot blasting open the doors of one of the vans, followed by a fireball and a large plume of smoke. Investigators confirmed that accelerant, identified as petrol, was found in the vehicles, but no explosives were discovered.
Adding to the complexity, one of the arrested men reportedly called the police approximately an hour before the farmer's 999 call. The five suspects, all British nationals in their mid-20s, are from Camden and Westminster in London.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment over the men's release on bail and stated the alleged plot "might be" linked to Iran. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented that the plot "clearly involves the hand of a foreign actor."
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor of the UK's counter-terrorism policing stated that the police response was triggered by "a range of information." The five individuals released on bail "remain under investigation" and are subject to strict bail conditions.