Counter-terrorism officers are currently examining whether there is any connection to Iran in a suspected terrorist plot aimed at RAF Fairford, a military airbase in Gloucestershire frequently used by US bomber aircraft.
The investigation follows the arrest of five men on suspicion of involvement in explosives and terrorism offences. The arrests occurred after armed police intercepted three vans travelling towards RAF Fairford near the village of Whelford during the early hours of Sunday.
US President Donald Trump later commented that those detained were “looking to do big damage”.
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The Iranian embassy in London has firmly rejected any involvement, denouncing the allegations as “unfounded and malicious speculations.” In a statement released on Monday afternoon, the embassy condemned attempts to link Tehran with the arrests near the military base and reserved the right to pursue legal action in response to what it described as misleading narratives.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised that the UK should not be intimidated by Iran’s rhetoric and must not allow the nation to dictate the country’s foreign policy. However, he also noted that it was “too early to attribute background aims” during a Monday morning broadcast.
Notably, the operation was not intelligence-led, indicating that security services had no prior knowledge of the suspected plot, according to the Press Association.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the incident as a complex operation involving multiple agencies including local and national police forces, the Ministry of Defence, and other local bodies. She acknowledged the disturbance caused to residents but reassured the public that all measures taken were for national security and public safety.
The Iranian embassy further stated that such fabricated claims mainly serve to fuel anti-Iran sentiments within the UK, especially following recent aggressive acts attributed to the US and Israel against Iran.
A local resident alerted authorities after noticing the vans blocking the road and a group of men wearing hoods and balaclavas. She believed the drivers misinterpreted their headlights as a police presence and possibly abandoned their plans as a result.
Gloucestershire Constabulary said it received reports of suspicious vehicles heading to RAF Fairford at approximately 12:45am on Sunday. The suspects were initially arrested under the Explosives Act and subsequently on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism.
Visual footage showed a bomb disposal robot inspecting the three white vans, two with rear doors open, surrounded by seemingly large black barrels. A 400-metre cordon was established, and 85 households were evacuated overnight with local authorities arranging alternative accommodation.
The Army’s ordnance disposal unit continued to examine the vehicles into the evening. Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth of Bedfordshire Constabulary confirmed at a press conference that authorities believe the situation is now contained.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the incident as “deeply concerning” and affirmed the Government’s commitment to taking all necessary actions to ensure public safety.
Officials are analysing any devices recovered from the suspects to determine the extent and nature of the plot, as well as potential motivations.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened awareness regarding threats to UK security from hostile states such as Russia and Iran, who have allegedly employed proxy actors to conduct criminal activities on British soil.
In March, security officials reported a 50% increase in cases involving foreign hostile states, including Iran, during the latter half of 2025. Following the then prime minister Sir Keir Starmer’s approval for US defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites using UK bases, four US bombers arrived at RAF Fairford, marking increased American use of UK facilities for defensive operations.
Separately, this year London has seen a rise in antisemitic incidents claimed by the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right (Hayi), a group believed to have Iranian support.