UK-Iranian man released on bail in probe into suspected plot against U.S. military base in England

LONDON — A dual British-Iranian national detained on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack after a security incident at a U.S.-run military air base in England has been released on bail, authorities said Saturday.

The 25-year-old man was arrested in London on Thursday on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near RAF Fairford, which has been used by U.S. bombers to strike Iran. He was the sixth person arrested in connection with the incident and later released on bail as the investigation continues.

British authorities have linked the incident to Tehran.

The other five men, who were not identified, are all described as British nationals in their 20s from London.

Dozens of residents were evacuated from homes near the base early Sunday as armed police and military bomb-disposal teams entered the rural area. Investigators later said they had found gasoline, an accelerant, in three vehicles connected with the five suspects, but no explosives.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the United Kingdom has “strong indications” that Iran was involved in the incident, though he gave no details about the suspects’ alleged plans or the basis for the conclusion.

Tehran has denied any role in the incident. Iranian authorities have previously maintained that any base used to attack its territory is a legitimate target.

RAF Fairford, located about 100 miles west of London, has been used by U.S. bombers in Middle East conflicts for decades, including this year’s war with Iran.

Senior U.S. officials criticized the decision to release the five suspects on bail. President Donald Trump said, “I wouldn’t have done that,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said many people were “disturbed” by the move.

The arrests occurred amid heightened concerns about threats from hostile states. British security services have said that Russia and Iran have both used proxies to carry out crimes in Britain, and officials reported a 50% increase in national security cases involving hostile-state activity, including Iran, in the six months to December 2025.

British officials said proxies linked to Iran have been responsible for a series of arson attacks and other incidents in Britain and abroad, many targeting the Jewish community and intended to spread fear. They have warned that Tehran could widen its targeting in the United Kingdom if fighting in the Middle East continues.

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