World · Middle East · 4 hrs ago
UK blames Iran for suspected plot at RAF Fairford and sanctions two Iranians
Britain says Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was almost certainly behind a suspected plot at RAF Fairford, an airbase in southern England.
Five British men were arrested near the base on September 27 on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences; police said they found petrol but no explosives.
The men were later released on bail without charge, and two other people have since been arrested in connection with the security incident.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain would act against threats on its territory, and the government sanctioned two Iranian nationals whose identities were not given.
Iran denies any role, and its ambassador said Tehran is willing to help with the British investigation.
The allegation has raised diplomatic tensions, with 29 countries issuing a joint statement condemning alleged Iranian threats in their territories.
US officials said American bombers were moved from Fairford over concerns about a possible drone attack, while the investigation continues.
Britain blamed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford and announced sanctions against two Iranians.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the suspected plot was “almost certainly” directed by the IRGC.
Iran denied involvement, and its ambassador said Tehran was willing to assist the UK investigation.
The incident near the airbase occurred in the early hours of September 27, when five British men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences.
Police said they found petrol in three vans linked to the suspects but no explosives.
- Who
- The UK government blamed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran denied responsibility.
- What
- Britain announced sanctions against two Iranians over alleged hostile activity and said it would pursue further measures.
- When
- The incident occurred in the early hours of September 27. The sanctions were announced on Monday, October 12, 2026.
- Where
- RAF Fairford in southern England.
- Why
- The UK said the sanctions targeted people involved in hostile activity on behalf of Iran. The motive for the suspected plot was not stated.
UK government
Iran
Responsibility
UK government
The UK said the suspected plot was almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iran
Iran categorically rejected allegations of any Iranian role.
UK response
UK government
The UK said it would not tolerate threats on its soil and sanctioned two Iranians.
Iran
Iran urged Britain to refrain from unsubstantiated statements and said Tehran was willing to cooperate with the investigation.
The war against Iran began, according to the article.
Five British men in their 20s were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences.
A 25-year-old British-Iranian man was arrested in London.
Counter Terrorism Policing arrested a 22-year-old British national on suspicion of a terror offence linked to the incident.
Burnham blamed the IRGC, Britain announced sanctions against two Iranians, and Mousavi met the UK minister for the Middle East.
- Arrest date
- September 27
- Arrests that morning
- Five British men in their 20s
- Police findings
- Petrol in three vans; no explosives
- Sanctions
- Two Iranians
- Airbase location
- RAF Fairford, southern England
What people are saying
We will not tolerate these threats on our soil
We have repeatedly made clear to Iran, Britain will not tolerate threats on our soil
categorically rejected
Any attempt by Iran to threaten, silence, intimidate, harass, harm, or coerce people on our territories through proxies or any other means is unacceptable
Posts on X
Statement on Recent Speculations by some British Individuals and Media The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in London categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations published by some British individuals and media outlets
Sources
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