Counter Terrorism Policing said a 27-year-old dual U.K.–Iranian national was arrested in central London on Thursday on suspicion of plotting a terror attack after a security incident at a U.S.-run military air base in England, according to reporting by Headline USA adapted from the Associated Press. Police said two London properties were searched. A 26-year-old British national was interviewed under caution, meaning the interview was recorded and could be used in future prosecutions.
Arrests near RAF Fairford and what police found
According to the report, five British men in their 20s from London were arrested early Sunday on suspicion of explosives and terror offenses close to RAF Fairford, 100 miles west of London. Scores of nearby residents were evacuated as armed officers and army bomb-disposal teams moved in. Police later said they found gasoline in three vans linked to the five suspects but no explosives. The five were released on bail.
Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counterterrorism policing, said the investigation “is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of inquiry.” She added, “As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles — including possible foreign state involvement.”
Claims of an Iran link—and Tehran’s denial
Headline USA reported that Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the U.K. sees “strong indications” Iran played a part in the incident, without providing details about alleged plans or the basis for the assessment. Iran denies involvement. The report also notes Iran has previously said it considers any base used to attack its territory a legitimate target.
U.S. reaction and the bail backlash
The outlet reported that top U.S. officials criticized the decision to grant the five suspects bail. President Donald Trump said, “I wouldn’t have done that,” adding, “I was surprised they were released on bail,” while also saying, “I have a lot of respect, however, for Scotland Yard. I think they know what they’re doing. But I was a little bit surprised.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said many people were “disturbed” by the move.
Burnham said, per the report, that authorities have the investigation under “the strongest grip and the closest control,” and that British officials had been talking to U.S. counterparts “all week” to explain what is happening.
Why RAF Fairford matters
The report describes RAF Fairford as a U.S.-run base used by American bombers during decades of Middle East conflicts, including this year’s war with Iran.
Backdrop: rising hostile-state activity, officials say
According to the report, British security services say Russia and Iran have used proxies to commit crimes in the U.K. British officials cited a 50% rise in national security cases involving hostile-state activity—including Iran—in the six months to December 2025. Officials also say proxies linked to Iran have been behind arsons and other attacks in Britain and elsewhere, many targeting the Jewish community and intended to sow fear, and have warned Tehran could widen its U.K. targets if Middle East conflicts continue.
