British‑Iranian man detained over alleged Iran‑linked plot near RAF Fairford

British police detained a dual UK‑Iranian national in London on Thursday on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack after a security incident at a military air base in England that authorities have linked to Tehran.

The 25‑year‑old man was taken into custody in central London on Thursday and officers searched two addresses in the capital, Counter‑Terrorism Policing said in a statement.

In the early hours of Sunday, five men – all British nationals in their 20s from London – were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences near RAF Fairford, a base that has been used by US bombers to strike Iran.

The suspects have since been released on bail.

Scores of residents were evacuated from nearby homes as armed police and army bomb‑disposal teams moved into the rural area.

Police later reported finding a quantity of petrol in three vans linked to the five suspects, though no explosives were discovered.

Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counter‑terrorism policing, said the investigation “remains hugely complex, with specialist teams pursuing multiple lines of inquiry.”

“As we have made clear, we are examining every possible angle, including potential foreign state involvement,” she added.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the UK believes there are “strong indications” of Iranian involvement in the incident.

He did not elaborate on the alleged plot or the specific reasons behind the UK’s assessment of Iran’s role.

Iran denies any role but has previously asserted that any facility used to attack its territory is a legitimate target.

Located 160 kilometres west of London, RAF Fairford has served as a launch point for US bombers throughout decades of Middle‑East conflicts, including the current war with Iran.

Senior US officials have criticised the bail decision, with President Donald Trump remarking, “I wouldn’t have done that,” and Secretary of State Marco Rubio noting that many were “disturbed” by the move.

Trump added on Thursday, “I was surprised they were released on bail.”

“I have a lot of respect for Scotland Yard, though I think they know what they’re doing. I was a little surprised,” Trump said while departing the White House for Texas.

Burnham emphasised that the investigation remains “under the strongest grip and the closest control,” noting that British officials have been “in constant dialogue with US counterparts throughout the week to explain developments and procedures.”

The arrests coincide with a period of heightened concern over threats from hostile states, as British security services report that both Russia and Iran have employed proxies to carry out crimes on UK territory.

British officials report a 50 % rise in national‑security cases linked to hostile states, including Iran, over the six‑month period leading up to December 2025.

UK authorities assert that Iran‑linked proxies have perpetrated a series of arson attacks and other incidents across Britain and abroad, frequently targeting the Jewish community with the aim of spreading fear.

They have previously warned that Tehran may broaden its targets within the UK should Middle‑East conflicts persist.

Source link