Overview
- Police launched a major operation after a local resident reported three suspicious vans and masked men near RAF Fairford on Sunday, September 27, and five British men were arrested at the scene before being released on police bail.
- Counter Terrorism Policing arrested a dual UK‑Iranian man in Westminster on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts and has since released him on bail after searches of two properties concluded.
- Investigators found petrol in the vans but no explosives, and specialist teams describe the probe as "hugely complex" while pursuing multiple lines of enquiry, including whether any foreign state directed or inspired the activity.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there are "strong indications" of Iranian involvement, Israel says it passed relevant intelligence to UK authorities, and Tehran has denied the claims and summoned the British ambassador to protest.
- The incident is sensitive because RAF Fairford has been used by US long‑range bombers in operations related to Iran, and the ongoing inquiry could prompt further US‑UK intelligence work, diplomatic friction with Iran, and possible criminal charges if evidence supports them.