Two Men Rearrested in UK Over Suspected Iranian Intelligence Plot Near RAF Base

Two men arrested in connection with a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire have been rearrested on suspicion of assisting Iran's intelligence service, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) announced Tuesday.

CTP stated it is "highly likely that there is Iranian state involvement" in the activity that occurred near the airbase on September 27. The investigation has uncovered evidence suggesting a chain of command leading back to Iran, and the rearrested suspects are believed to have been "witting participants" aware of Tehran's alleged role.

The two men rearrested are a 24-year-old UK national and a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national, both residing in Westminster, London. They were rearrested under Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023, which pertains to assisting a foreign intelligence service. The country in question is Iran.

The 24-year-old was initially arrested on September 27 near RAF Fairford, while the 25-year-old was first detained on October 1 in Westminster. The other five men arrested as part of the ongoing investigation remain on police bail.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, confirmed the rearrests and stated that while the investigation is active and evidence gathering continues, the assessment of likely Iranian state involvement remains. He acknowledged public interest and pledged further transparency as the investigation progresses.

Gloucestershire Police initially responded to a report of three suspicious vehicles heading towards RAF Fairford in the early hours of September 27. A bomb disposal team was subsequently deployed to examine several vehicles.

The Prime Minister had previously indicated that the UK government believes Iran played a role in the incident.