UK-Iranian national arrested over RAF Fairford incident released on bail

A dual UK-Iranian national, aged 25, has been arrested and subsequently released on bail in connection with an incident at RAF Fairford. The arrest occurred in Westminster, London, on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. Counter-terrorism police are investigating multiple lines of inquiry, including the possibility of foreign state involvement.

This arrest follows the detention of five UK nationals, all in their twenties, near the Gloucestershire airbase on Sunday. They were initially arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and later for preparing a terrorist act. These five individuals were also released on bail on Monday.

Searches of vehicles near the airbase revealed a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices. Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested there were "strong indications" of Iran's involvement, a claim strongly denied by Tehran. Iran's foreign ministry stated that attempts to link the country to the arrested individuals were "fabricated speculations" fueling "Iranophobia propaganda."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented that "the hands of a foreign actor" were clearly involved. The RAF Fairford base has been used by US bombers for operations in the Middle East, including strikes authorized by the UK against Iran.