UK Counter-Terrorism Police Detain Dual National in Expanded Fairford Air Base Probe

British counter-terrorism police investigating a suspected plot targeting an airbase used by U.S. forces announced Thursday the arrest of a dual UK-Iranian national on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.

The development follows a major police operation on Sunday that saw five British men in their twenties detained near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on suspected terrorism and explosives offences. Those individuals were subsequently released on police bail without charge.

Authorities are examining potential foreign state involvement in the incident. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested a possible Iranian connection, prompting Tehran to dismiss the allegations as baseless and summon the British ambassador in protest.

In a statement, Vicki Evans, the Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the investigation as “hugely complex,” noting that specialist teams are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including the angle of foreign state involvement.

The initial operation was launched in the early hours of Sunday following intelligence that included a tip from a local farmer who observed suspicious activity involving three vans near the base. Reports also indicate one of the men contacted emergency services shortly before the arrests.

While petrol was discovered in the vehicles, detectives confirmed no improvised explosive devices were found.

The case has drawn significant international attention. U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the decision to release the initial suspects, asserting they had planned “significant damage,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to the involvement of a “foreign actor.” The U.S. has utilized RAF Fairford in recent months to launch bomber missions against Iranian-backed targets, and British officials confirm close coordination with Washington on the investigation.

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