Police have announced the arrest of a seventh individual in London on suspicion of terrorism offences linked to the alleged plot targeting RAF Fairford.
Counter-terrorism authorities stated the 22-year-old British national was detained in Westminster on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Five men in their 20s were initially apprehended on 27 September in Whelford, Gloucestershire, near the airbase, following reports of suspicious vans in the area. They have since been released on bail.
A 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national was also arrested in Westminster last Thursday on similar charges and subsequently released on bail Saturday.
Senior National Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans stated Tuesday that the investigation remains active, with specialist teams pursuing multiple lines of inquiry regarding the incident near RAF Fairford.
Evans thanked the public for their patience and support during the complex operation.
She acknowledged high public interest, confirming officers are working around the clock to determine a motive and examine all angles.
Tensions surrounding the base escalated in July after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards designated it a legitimate target, though Tehran’s London embassy has denied any connection to the recent arrests.
Government ministers have reportedly been briefed that Iran may employ proxies—sometimes unwitting—to conduct operations designed to drain resources and sow disruption.
The embassy reiterated its “categorical rejection” of what it termed “unfounded and malicious speculations” regarding Iranian involvement.
Senior US political figures, including President Donald Trump, have voiced surprise over the decision to release the suspects on bail.
The UK’s head of counter-terrorism policing defended the decision last week, describing it as an investigative judgment based on experience and a careful assessment of legal powers.
