British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Monday that a suspected plot targeting the RAF Fairford air base was "highly likely" to have been coordinated in Iran and directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Five British nationals were arrested near the base but released on bail.
The incident and subsequent diplomatic actions highlight ongoing tensions between the UK and Iran, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations.
Britain summoned Iran's ambassador to protest an incident at RAF Fairford, with the UK's foreign secretary stating that "Britain will not tolerate threats on our soil." Prime Minister Andy Burnham told MPs that the incident last month was "almost certainly directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard." The Foreign Office has sanctioned two Iranians, including the head of the regime's counterespionage operations, subjecting them to travel bans and asset freezes.
Burnham also indicated that Iran could face further sanctions over its suspected role. The UK, joined by 28 other countries including the US, Canada, Australia, France, and Germany, issued a joint statement condemning "in the strongest terms" violent attacks by Iran. The statement accused Iran of carrying out "lethal plotting, arson, sabotage, cyber-attacks, and other hybrid activities" and recognized the UK's attribution of Iranian involvement in the RAF Fairford incident.
Iran has denied involvement. A large police operation began after officers were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near the base in the early hours of September 27. Dozens of homes were evacuated in the nearby village of Whelford, and a large cordon was put in place around the site. Seven men, all in their 20s, have been arrested and later bailed in connection with the incident. No one has been charged.
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