British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Monday that the government assesses a suspected plot involving RAF Fairford as highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The statement is an official UK attribution, not a court finding. Iran denies involvement, describing the allegation as unfounded and malicious. No one has been charged in the Fairford investigation.

Five men arrested, then released on bail

Counter Terrorism Policing said officers stopped three suspicious vehicles travelling toward the Gloucestershire air base shortly after midnight on September 27. Five British men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act.

Reuters reported that all five were later released without charge on police bail under strict conditions. Police found petrol in vans but no viable explosive, according to the news agency. Two other men arrested during the wider investigation were also released.

Air base had supported U.S. operations

RAF Fairford had been used by U.S. bombers in operations against Iran. U.S. officials told Reuters the suspected plan involved a drone attack, and U.S. President Donald Trump said an Iran-linked threat prompted the removal of B-1 bombers from the base.

Burnham told Parliament that Britain would target Iranian criminal networks and funding streams and announced further sanctions. Reuters reported that the UK sanctioned two Iranian nationals and summoned Iran’s ambassador.

Canada joined wider statement

Canada was among almost 30 countries that issued a statement condemning what they described as Iran’s use of violent plots, sabotage, cyberattacks and other hostile activity. The multinational statement provides diplomatic context but does not replace the ongoing police investigation or establish individual criminal responsibility.

Sources: Reuters, October 12; Metropolitan Police, September 27; UK government background on the IRGC designation, July 17.

Lead image: a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer landing at RAF Fairford on October 24, 2023, photographed by Senior Airman Ryan Hayman, U.S. Air Force, public domain. File photo; not an image of the September 27 incident.