LONDON, Sept 30 (Reuters) – A suspected plot targeting a British airbase that hosts US forces for operations against Iran was foiled after one of the individuals later arrested alerted police, according to The Times.
The report deepens the mystery surrounding Sunday’s incident near RAF Fairford in western England, where five British men in their twenties were detained on suspicion of terrorism‑related explosives offenses.
All five, residents of London, were released on bail despite comments from US President Donald Trump, who claimed they intended to cause “big damage,” and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested a foreign actor was behind the scheme.
The Times notes that one of the suspects placed an emergency call shortly before his early‑morning arrest.
“It could have been reconnaissance, a dry‑run to probe defences, or a stunt aimed at signalling the British government,” The Times said, adding that investigators remain uncertain whether the caller lost his nerve or acted as part of a broader plan.
The newspaper did not disclose its sources.
Police have not yet responded to a request for comment.
A source familiar with the matter said investigators regard an Iran‑linked motive as the most plausible, while also considering a Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist extremist plot.
Iran has denied any involvement.
Police said on Tuesday that gasoline was discovered in the vans used by the suspects, though no improvised explosive device was found.
(Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
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