30/09/2026
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30/09/2026
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LONDON, Sept 30: British counterterrorism police are investigating whether five men arrested near RAF Fairford were acting as proxies for Iran, according to The Times, as investigators examine possible foreign-state involvement in the suspected plot.
The five men, all British nationals in their 20s from London, were arrested early Sunday near the Gloucestershire airbase on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing an act of terrorism. They were released on bail Monday as the investigation continued. British police have said they are examining multiple lines of inquiry, including whether the suspects were acting knowingly or unknowingly on behalf of a foreign state.
The Times reported that one of the suspects called emergency services nearly an hour before a farmer separately alerted police after seeing vans and masked men near the base. Investigators are examining whether the group was conducting surveillance, testing security or carrying out an operation intended to send a message to the British government.
Police have confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found in the three vans searched by military and forensic experts, although petrol was recovered. The investigation is continuing, with authorities considering possible foreign-state involvement alongside other explanations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the incident “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor” but did not identify the country involved. US President Donald Trump has also suggested there could be an Iranian connection. Iran has denied any involvement, with its embassy in London rejecting the allegations.
