Dual UK-Iranian National Detained in Connection with RAF Fairford Security Incident

A 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national has been arrested in connection with last week’s security incident near a British airbase, police confirmed Thursday, according to Anadolu reports.

The arrest took place in Westminster under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, while a 26-year-old UK national was also questioned under caution, as stated by Counter Terrorism Policing.

The detentions follow Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s statement on Wednesday indicating there was a “strong likelihood” of Iranian involvement in Sunday’s suspected terror plot near Royal Air Force Fairford in South West England.

“The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is highly complex, and our specialist teams are examining multiple lines of inquiry,” said Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans.

“As we have previously indicated, we are exploring all possibilities, including the potential involvement of foreign states. We appreciate the public’s ongoing support and patience during this investigation,” she added.

A major incident was declared on Sunday in a village near the airbase in western England, resulting in the evacuation of 85 households after police detained five men in connection with suspected violations of the Explosives Act.

The five men, all in their 20s, who were arrested on Sunday, September 27, continue to be held on police bail, according to Counter Terrorism Policing.

These developments occurred amidst heightened security measures around RAF Fairford.

In July, Britain stated its military was ready to defend the nation against any potential attack following warnings from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against permitting US bombers to operate from Fairford.

RAF Fairford has been actively supporting operations against Iran since February as part of broader Middle East tensions.

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