LONDON, Oct 12 (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Monday that a recent incident at RAF Fairford air base is “highly likely” to have been orchestrated from Iran, with involvement almost certainly from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire has been used by U.S. bombers for operations against Iran. A significant security response was triggered on September 27 when five British men were arrested nearby on suspicion of terrorism and explosive offences.
U.S. officials indicated that there was a suspected plot involving Iran to initiate a drone attack, a concern that led President Donald Trump to authorize the withdrawal of U.S. B-1 bombers from the base due to potential threats. “I can confirm our assessment that it is highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran,” Burnham told parliament.
In response to these allegations, Tehran has dismissed claims of involvement as “unfounded and malicious speculations.”
Details Sparse on Suspected Plot
Information regarding the suspected plot remains limited. The five men detained have since been released on police bail, subject to stringent conditions, as inquiries continue. Two additional individuals, including a British-Iranian national, were also released without charges.
Authorities revealed that petrol, but no viable explosives, were found in vehicles related to the arrests. Both police and Burnham have pointed to the likelihood of foreign state involvement. “We will not tolerate these threats on our soil,” Burnham emphasized. He added that the UK would utilize its full range of powers to target the networks associated with Iran and the IRGC.
Nearly 30 foreign ministries, including those from the U.S., Canada, France, and Germany, issued a joint statement condemning “Iran’s use of violent attacks,” which ranges from plotting to sabotage and cyber activities against nations and their partners.
“The UK has also concluded this event demonstrates the IRGC’s continued willingness to project hostile activity beyond its borders,” the statement continued. The British government has accused Iran for years of engaging in plots and targeted attacks on UK soil through criminal networks and proxies, allegations which Iran has consistently denied.
In 2022, the UK reported 20 credible threats linked to Iran aimed at individuals based in the country. Earlier this year, the UK imposed sanctions on two Iranian nationals associated with the IRGC, including its Head of Counterespionage Operations, and another connected to a criminal network implicated in multiple plots against Iranian dissidents.
