UK rearrests two men over suspected Iranian plot at RAF Fairford

British counter-terrorism police have rearrested two men on suspicion of assisting Iran’s intelligence service in connection with a suspicious incident at the US-run RAF Fairford airbase last month. The suspects, a 24-year-old British national and a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national, were detained under Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023 after previously being released on bail.

The Incident

On September 27, three white vans carrying five men approached Whelford, a village near the base. Police declared a major incident, evacuating dozens of homes as bomb disposal teams examined the vehicles. While petrol was found in the vans, authorities confirmed no improvised explosive devices were present. The seven individuals involved were initially arrested on terrorism-related suspicions but were later bailed pending further investigation.

Official Stance

Police leadership considers it "highly likely" that there is Iranian state involvement. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor described the probe as "hugely complex," noting investigators are examining the ambition behind the act. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated the plot was "almost certainly" directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Consequently, the US withdrew 12 B-1 bombers from the base following the event.

Broader Context

MI5 chief Ken McCallum warned that attacks on UK military bases by Iran and Russia are expanding, citing over 50 arrests linked to Iranian plots in the past year. Iran has denied involvement, though it has historically considered bases used against its territory legitimate targets. No charges have been filed yet, and the other five suspects remain on bail.