UK Prime Minister: Iran Linked to Foiled Terror Plot at US Bomber Base

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated Wednesday that there are "strong indications" that Iran was involved in a suspected terror incident at RAF Fairford, a UK base used by U.S. bombers operating in the Middle East. Authorities are cooperating with the United States on the matter.

Five suspects were arrested over the weekend on suspicion of preparing a terror attack near the base in southwest England. The men, all British nationals in their early 20s, were subsequently released on bail. Burnham clarified that their release was under "the strictest possible bail conditions."

British counterterrorism police have not officially named Iran in relation to the incident. Reports from Tuesday indicated that one of the suspects called the police, which led to the arrests. This account contrasted with earlier reports suggesting a local farmer had alerted authorities after observing suspicious vans and individuals near the base early Sunday morning.

The three vans, which had seemingly fake company names and phone numbers, were found to contain fuel rather than explosives, contrary to initial assumptions. The names of the suspects have not been released.

Iran has denied any involvement in the incident. RAF Fairford is a key operational base for the U.S. Air Force, equipped with an extended runway capable of supporting B-1 and B-52 bombers for missions, including those directed at Iran.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.