Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated there are "strong indications" that Iran may have been involved in the alleged terror plot related to RAF Fairford. This statement follows the arrest of five men at the Gloucestershire airbase in the early hours of Sunday. The suspects, all British nationals in their 20s from London, have since been released on bail. Burnham, speaking to GB News, noted the ongoing police investigation and the serious nature of the situation, confirming that authorities are collaborating closely with U.S. officials.
The incident involved armed police responding to reports of suspicious activity, leading to the search of three white vans found blocking a road near the airbase. While no improvised explosive devices were discovered, a quantity of petrol was recovered from the vehicles. Authorities are exploring various possibilities regarding the men's intentions, including whether they were acting as Iranian proxies, conducting surveillance, or testing the base's security.
The situation became more complex when it was reported that one of the suspects had called emergency services before the arrests, raising questions about their motives. A local farmer alerted authorities after spotting the vans and men wearing masks, leading to the evacuation of approximately 85 homes in the area. Footage showed one van approaching RAF Fairford shortly before the arrests. The airbase is utilized by the U.S. military and has been involved in operations against Iran. U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have expressed surprise and concern over the release of the suspects on bail. The investigation remains active, with authorities maintaining an open mind regarding the circumstances of the incident.