A 25-year-old man holding dual UK-Iranian nationality was arrested on Thursday in Westminster as the sixth individual connected to a suspected terror plot targeting RAF Fairford. The counter-terrorism police made the arrest on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts and conducted searches at two nearby properties as part of the investigation.
Earlier, five British nationals, all in their mid-20s, were detained on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism-related activities after three vans raised suspicion near the Gloucestershire military site over the weekend. They were subsequently released on bail.
Senior Counter Terrorism Policing national co-ordinator Vicki Evans described the investigation as highly complex, highlighting that multiple lines of inquiry are being explored. She confirmed authorities are considering all possibilities, including potential involvement by foreign states, and praised the public for their ongoing support and patience.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated there are strong signs of Iran’s involvement in the incident near the military base. In a related diplomatic move, the British ambassador to Tehran met with Iran’s foreign ministry following a request from the Iranian government.
RAF Fairford has recently been used by US bombers authorised to conduct “defensive” strikes against targets in Tehran, permissions that were granted by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Counter-terrorism officers reported that the suspicious vans contained petrol but no explosive devices, leading to the heightened security alert near the airbase.
Further international context was provided by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated that Israel supplied the UK with intelligence regarding the suspected Iranian-sponsored terror plot shortly before Britain announced sanctions banning trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.