Counter Terrorism police in the UK arrested a 27-year-old man holding dual British and Iranian citizenship in central London on Thursday in relation to an alleged security incident that occurred over the weekend at RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base located 160 kilometers west of London. The suspect was detained on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. A second individual, a 26-year-old UK national, was questioned under caution as part of the ongoing investigation.
The incident at RAF Fairford occurred on Sunday, when five men in their twenties from London were initially arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism-related charges. Those individuals have since been released on bail. Police disclosed that a quantity of petrol was recovered from vehicles parked near the base, though no explosives were found in the vehicles during searches conducted on Tuesday.
The RAF facility has served as a base for US military bombers conducting operations in the Middle East for decades, including during the conflict between the US and Israel against Iran that commenced in February. Since March, the base has been used to launch attacks on Iranian targets, and the UK has authorized US bombers stationed there to strike Iranian missile sites.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated there were “strong indications” that Iran was involved in the alleged security incident. However, Iranian officials have categorically denied any involvement. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the allegations, and Iran’s embassy in London characterized attempts to link the country to the arrested individuals as “fabricated speculations” fueling anti-Iranian sentiment.
Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans stated the investigation was “hugely complex” with multiple lines of inquiry being pursued, including the possibility of foreign state involvement. No charges have been filed, and significant details regarding the nature of the threat remain unclear to the public.
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