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Full Breakdown

Two British Men Charged Over Iran-Linked Plot Near Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

The Charges and Alleged Offences

On October 27, 2026, the Crown Prosecution Service announced that Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, and Nouman Essghir, 24, both London residents, have been charged under the National Security Act 2023. The offences relate to conduct alleged to have taken place between August 31 and September 28, 2026, when police say Abdulkarim acted as an intermediary for a handler believed to be working for Iran. Essghir’s charge stems from an alleged reconnaissance mission on August 22, 2026. Both men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later on Tuesday; a further hearing is scheduled for November 20, 2026.

NewsNation

Watch

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02

Background & Context

RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire has long served as a forward operating location for United States Air Force heavy bombers. Earlier in 2026 the base was used to launch U.S. strikes against Iran, prompting heightened diplomatic tension. Following the September incident, the United States withdrew all B-1 Lancer bombers from the airfield on security grounds. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the activity “was almost certainly directed” by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Euronews

Visual evidence

Images from the story

This court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook shows Mohmed Abdulkarim, left, and Nouman Essghir, right, appearing in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, England, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (Elizabeth Cook/PA via AP)
This court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook shows Mohmed Abdulkarim, left, and Nouman Essghir, right, appearing in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, England, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (Elizabeth Cook/PA via AP)Photo: newsnationnow
Armed police maintain roadblocks and security checks around RAF Fairford in England, September 28, 2026
Armed police maintain roadblocks and security checks around RAF Fairford in England, September 28, 2026Photo: aljazeera
Two armed police officers stand beside a police truck outside RAF Fairford in Fairford, England, Sept. 28, 2026. Two British men were charged Tuesday over the Sept. 27 security incident at RAF Fairford, including one accused of assisting Iranian intelligence. (Leon Neal/TNS)
Two armed police officers stand beside a police truck outside RAF Fairford in Fairford, England, Sept. 28, 2026. Two British men were charged Tuesday over the Sept. 27 security incident at RAF Fairford, including one accused of assisting Iranian intelligence. (Leon Neal/TNS)Photo: stripes
A B-1B Lancer bomber arrives at RAF Fairford airbase, after police declared a major incident at the base and arrested several men, who have since been released on bail, in Fairford, Gloucestershire, Britain, Sept. 29. Two men were charged in the incident on Tuesday.
A B-1B Lancer bomber arrives at RAF Fairford airbase, after police declared a major incident at the base and arrested several men, who have since been released on bail, in Fairford, Gloucestershire, Britain, Sept. 29. Two men were charged in the incident on Tuesday.Photo: ksl
An image sent to BBC News and verified by the British network as likely authentic shows what the sender said were five men being taken into custody by police in the village of Whelford, England, less than half a mile from the RAF Fairford air base, which is used by U.S. forces, on the evening of Sept. 26, 2026, or early the following morning. User generated content via BBC News
An image sent to BBC News and verified by the British network as likely authentic shows what the sender said were five men being taken into custody by police in the village of Whelford, England, less than half a mile from the RAF Fairford air base, which is used by U.S. forces, on the evening of Sept. 26, 2026, or early the following morning. User generated content via BBC NewsPhoto: cbsnews
RAF fairford armed police
RAF fairford armed policePhoto: foxnews
Two men have been charged with national security offences after an investigation into a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford. (Image: Ben Birchall)
Two men have been charged with national security offences after an investigation into a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford. (Image: Ben Birchall)Photo: stroudnewsandjournal
Police attended, located three white vans and five men, who were arrested (PA)
Police attended, located three white vans and five men, who were arrested (PA)Photo: stalbansreview

03

Data & Statistics

  • Age of defendants: Abdulkarim 24; Essghir 24.
NewsNation
  • Alleged timeline: Abdulkarim – Aug 31 to Sept 28; Essghir – Aug 22.
NewsNation
  • Vehicles: Three white vans were observed near the base in late September, each containing a metal oil drum, two of which held petrol, along with water-butts and dash-cameras. No explosives were recovered.
RTE (Radio Television of Ireland)
  • Arrests: Seven men were initially detained; five were released on bail after questioning, and six remain on bail pending further investigation.
St Albans Review
  • Financial flow: Prosecutors allege Abdulkarim received roughly £70,000 (about $93,000) from the handler “Ali.”
St Albans Review

04

Official Statements & Responses

  • Laurence Taylor, Assistant Commissioner for National Counter-Terrorism Policing: “In this case, we believe that country to be Iran.”
The Guardian
  • Prosecutor (court testimony): “Shortly thereafter the message was received that there was a bomb in the vehicles and one of them called the police.”
NewsNation
  • President Donald Trump (on bomber withdrawal): “They didn’t fly out by accident. There were some threats.”
Euronews

05

Opposition – Iran’s Denial

Iran issued a denial in response to statements by Prime Minister Burnham and British police.

Al Jazeera (website)

06

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

  • Identity of the foreign intelligence service: While most British officials name Iran, the CPS statement does not explicitly name the country.
NewsNation
  • Nature of the material in the vans: Reports describe the cargo as “petrol,” “fuel” or “diesel,” but no explosives were found.
RTE (Radio Television of Ireland)
  • Role of the handler “Ali”: Prosecutors allege he acted on behalf of the Iranian state, yet concrete evidence linking him to Iran’s intelligence apparatus has not been disclosed publicly.
NewsNation

07

What’s Next

The defendants are scheduled to return to court on November 20, 2026 for a further hearing at the Old Bailey. Police continue to monitor the six other individuals on bail, and investigators say additional evidence may be gathered before any final determinations are made.

St Albans Review