On Thursday, in a joint operation, the counter-terrorism police in the UK announced the arrest of a man holding dual British and Iranian citizenship on suspicion of “preparing to commit terrorist acts.” This case is linked to a conspiracy targeting the RAF Fairford airbase in the UK. The base is predominantly used by the US Air Force, where American B-1 and B-52 bombers take off to carry out missions against Iran.
The 27-year-old man was apprehended in Westminster, London on Thursday. Another 26-year-old British national also underwent police “cautioned questioning” which means his statements will have legal implications and could be used for future prosecution. Authorities also conducted searches at two properties in the area.
Last Sunday, five men were arrested near the Fairford airbase. There were reports earlier about “three suspicious vehicles” heading towards the base, triggering a significant security incident. All five individuals are British citizens from London and have been granted bail, but the investigation into them is ongoing.
Vicki Evans, a senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism, stated that the investigation into this incident is highly complex, with authorities considering “all possible investigative directions, including the possibility of foreign state involvement.”
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham mentioned on Wednesday that there were “strong indications” of Iranian involvement in this incident. This statement seems to align with the US assessment that foreign forces are involved in this event.
US Secretary of State Rubio indicated that there was evidently foreign involvement in this incident.
During an interview with Fox, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel had previously provided intelligence to the UK warning of an Iranian-backed attack at the Fairford airbase.
In July this year, the UK had stated that its armed forces were prepared to protect the country from any attacks. Previously, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard had warned the UK not to allow American bombers to take off from the Fairford base and declared that any base used to launch attacks against Iran would be a “legitimate” target.