Full Breakdown
Suspected IRGC-Linked Plot Targets RAF Fairford
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Suspected Plot at RAF Fairford
On September 27, police stopped three vans near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and arrested five British men in their 20s on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences. Detectives later arrested two additional men, bringing the total to seven. All suspects were released on bail under strict conditions after no viable explosives were found, though a quantity of petrol was seized. British officials say intelligence assessments indicate the plot was “highly likely” to have been coordinated in Iran and “almost certainly” directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Background and Recent Developments
RAF Fairford has served as a forward base for United States bombers conducting operations in the Middle East. In early October, the United States withdrew 12 B-1 bombers from the airfield after “some threats” were reported, a move the U.K. linked to the same security concerns. In July, Britain enacted new powers to curb state-sponsored proxies, banning support for the IRGC and a related group accused of attacks on Jewish and Israeli sites.
Official Statements & Responses
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to provide further details. The government emphasized continued cooperation with U.S. counterparts on shared base security.
Iran’s Rejection
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on social media that the United Kingdom was “barking up the wrong tree.” The Iranian foreign ministry also described the British allegations as “unfounded and malicious speculations,” rejecting any involvement in the Fairford incident.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can confirm our assessment that it is highly likely to have been co-ordinated in Iran, almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard.” — Mr Burnham, prime minister
- “We will not tolerate these threats on our soil,” — Andy Burnham, prime minister
- “We will not tolerate these threats on our soil. We will crack down on Iran’s use of criminal networks, using our full range of powers to target them and their funding streams. And we will bring further sanctions to restrict the capacity of Iran and the IRGC to bring us harm” — Andy Burnham, prime minister
- “I can confirm our assessment that it is highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran, almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC),” — Andy Burnham, prime minister