Iran denies involvement in suspected bomb plot at UK airbase
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Iran on Monday denied involvement in a suspected bomb plot at a UK airbase used by the United States, as counter-terrorism police said five men arrested near the site were all London-based British nationals.
The men, aged between 23 and 25, were arrested on Sunday after police received reports of three suspicious white vans travelling towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. They are being held under UK anti-terrorism laws on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act.
Counter Terrorism Policing said investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the men’s activities, their knowledge and any possible motive. Their detention was extended until later Monday.
Bomb-disposal experts were seen at the airbase, although authorities have not disclosed details of the suspected threat. About 85 households in the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated and remained away from their homes overnight while a police cordon was in place.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans urged against speculation about the motive while the investigation continues.
US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been under investigation and claimed they had been planning to cause significant damage to the base. When asked about possible links to Iran, Trump appeared to indicate there was a connection but provided no details.
Iran’s embassy in London “categorically rejects and strongly condemns” speculation that Tehran was involved. It described reports linking Iran to the incident as “unfounded and malicious”.
Britain authorised the US in March to use RAF Fairford for “specific defensive operations into Iran” to destroy Iranian missiles at source. US bombers and other aircraft have since operated from the base, which is the only site on mainland Britain used for that purpose.
The increased military activity has also raised security concerns among residents in the surrounding Cotswolds area. Iran had previously warned Britain against allowing its bases to be used for US operations against Tehran.