Iran has denied any involvement in an alleged plot targeting RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by United States forces, after five British nationals were arrested near the facility.
The Iranian Embassy in London rejected suggestions that Tehran was connected to the arrests, describing the claims as unfounded. British counterterrorism police, however, have said they are examining multiple possible lines of inquiry, including whether individuals may have been acting on behalf of a foreign state.
The five men, all British nationals in their 20s and from London, were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and preparing a terrorist act. They were later released on bail but remain under investigation. Police stressed that their release does not mean the investigation has ended.
Investigators searched three vans associated with the suspects after they were spotted near RAF Fairford. Counterterrorism police later said no improvised explosive devices were found, although a quantity of petrol was recovered. Searches were also conducted at properties in London.
The incident has attracted international attention because RAF Fairford has been used by US bombers for military operations against Iran. Iranian officials had previously warned that the base could be considered a target, adding to scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the arrests.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the incident involved “the hands of a foreign actor,” but he did not identify the country or provide evidence linking Iran to the alleged plot. US President Donald Trump also suggested that the incident might be connected to Iran. British authorities have not publicly made such a conclusion.
The investigation remains significant amid heightened tensions between Britain, the United States and Iran. Authorities are examining whether the incident involved a foreign government, a proxy network, another organisation or individuals acting independently.
RAF Fairford is a UK military facility that has hosted US aircraft for decades. The latest incident comes against the backdrop of increased security concerns surrounding Iran-related activity in Britain and the wider conflict involving Iran and US forces.
