UK police arrest dual UK-Iranian man in Fairford air base investigation

LONDON, Oct 1 (Reuters) – British counter‑terrorism police investigating a suspected plot involving an air base used by the U.S. to target Iran said on Thursday they had arrested a dual UK‑Iranian national on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.

In a dramatic development that triggered a large police response and raised alarm among Western allies, five British men in their twenties were detained on Sunday on charges related to suspected terrorism and explosive offences near RAF Fairford in western England.

The suspects were subsequently released on bail without formal charges. However, investigations continue to explore whether a foreign state may have been involved, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggesting the episode could involve an Iranian link.

Iran has dismissed those allegations as unfounded and has summoned its British ambassador in Tehran over the matter.

In further progress, authorities apprehended a 27‑year‑old dual citizen in London while a 26‑year‑old British individual remained under caution following searches at two residences.

“The inquiry into what transpired around Gloucestershire is extraordinarily intricate, and our specialist teams are pursuing several lines of inquiry,” announced Britain’s Senior National Coordinator for Counter‑Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, in a statement.

“We have clarified that we are examining every possibility — including potential foreign‑state involvement.”

Operation was mounted early on a Sunday after receiving a tip from a local farmer who had observed the men approaching the base in three vehicles.

Contrary to earlier reports, no improvised explosive device was uncovered among the vans, although petrol was recovered from those vehicles.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasised that the United Kingdom is cooperating closely with the United States, whose bomber bases utilize RAF Fairford for recent strikes against Iran, despite U.S. President Donald Trump indicating he would not release the suspects under stringent conditions.

U.S. officials highlighted that the perpetrators intended to cause “big damage”, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio referenced the “hands of a foreign actor” in the incident.

(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti and Michael Holden; editing by Philippa Fletcher and Andrew Heavens)

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