Iran has denied any involvement in an alleged plot to target the RAF Fairford airbase in the United Kingdom. The Iranian Embassy in London issued a statement on Monday, describing claims linking Tehran to the incident as "fabricated speculations". This denial comes after British authorities arrested five British nationals near the airbase on Sunday morning on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. The airbase hosts United States military aircraft involved in strikes against Iran.
The five suspects, aged between 23 and 25, were arrested following a tip-off about three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the military base in southwest England. They were later released on bail after extensive interviews and inquiries by Counter Terrorism Policing. The head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, stated that the investigation is ongoing, and the suspects are subject to stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others.
British security officials are examining multiple lines of enquiry, including suspected offences under the Explosives Act and the alleged preparation of a terrorist act. A source familiar with the investigation said an Iranian-linked motive was being considered the most likely line of inquiry. However, authorities are also examining the possibility of a Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist plot.
The UK government had authorised the United States to use bombers stationed at RAF Fairford to attack Iranian missile sites involved in strikes against ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps had previously declared in July that the Fairford base was a legitimate target. This development has added to tensions between Iran and the United Kingdom.
UK Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, said on Monday that Britain must be prepared to confront security threats facing Europe and the wider world. He added that the UK will act against the proxies of Iran. Reacting to the allegations, the Iranian embassy warned that such claims could fuel "Iranophobia propaganda" in Britain and reserved the right to take appropriate legal measures.
US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been planning to cause "big damage" and that British and US authorities had been investigating them for a long time. However, he expressed surprise at the decision to grant them bail, saying he wouldn't have done that. The incident has raised concerns about the security of military bases in the UK.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham was due to chair a meeting of the COBRA emergency response team on Monday as authorities continued their investigation into the incident. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran and Western countries, and the need for vigilance in the face of potential security threats.
Key points
- Iran denies involvement in alleged plot to target RAF Fairford airbase.
- Five British nationals arrested and released on bail over suspected terrorist act.
- Investigation ongoing, with multiple lines of enquiry being examined.
