World · Middle East · 18 hrs ago
UK investigates possible Iranian links to incident near RAF Fairford
Seven men have been arrested in connection with an incident near RAF Fairford, a military airbase in Gloucestershire, and released on police bail.
Five men were detained after arriving in three vans near the base shortly after midnight on 27 September; police found no explosives and no clear plot.
The investigation is continuing, and the prime minister has said there are strong indications Iran played a part.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also sought to encourage attacks on Jewish people and sites in the UK and Europe, according to MI5.
RAF Fairford has hosted US bombers that flew missions against Iran earlier in the year, making the base a possible target in Tehran’s eyes.
The US withdrew 12 B-1 bombers from Fairford a week after the incident, amid fears of a drone attack, although UK experts question whether Iran could carry one out.
Officials are considering whether to warn publicly about the threat, and police say they expect further progress in the investigation.
British authorities are investigating possible Iranian links to an incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Five men were arrested in Whelford after driving there in three white vans shortly after midnight on 27 September.
They were released on police bail a day later after no explosives or discernible plot were found.
Two more men were arrested on suspicion of terror offences and also released on police bail.
Officials have pointed to possible Iranian involvement, while some experts question Iran’s ability to carry out a drone attack on the airbase.
- Who
- Five men from London and two other men were arrested. Authorities are investigating possible Iranian links.
- What
- Police are investigating an incident near RAF Fairford and possible terror offences.
- When
- The five men were arrested shortly after midnight on 27 September. The article was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- Whelford, a village next to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, UK.
- Why
- Not stated. Officials have said there are indications of Iranian involvement, but the circumstances remain unclear.
UK officials who see possible Iranian involvement
Experts sceptical of Iran’s capability
Iranian role
UK officials who see possible Iranian involvement
Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” Iran played a part.
Experts sceptical of Iran’s capability
Dr Antonio Giustozzi suggested the drive may have been “a feint” and was sceptical Iran could pose a real military threat to Fairford.
Threat to RAF Fairford
UK officials who see possible Iranian involvement
Lord Ricketts said it was prudent to assume Iran could have an interest in a wider range of targets.
Experts sceptical of Iran’s capability
Giustozzi said an operation against an airbase would require preparation and doubted Iran could bring military-grade explosives into the UK.
strong indications
you will see more progress on this investigation
Given the use of Fairford by US bombers, it’s only prudent to assume that they would see an interest in attacking a wider range of targets, whatever their involvement in the Fairford incident
I doubt that Iran could bring in military-grade explosive to the UK; the last people to do so were the IRA
The IRGC sought to coordinate and promote targeting of Jewish communities in the UK and Europe, according to the article.
US B-1 and B-52 bombers took off from RAF Fairford to make attack runs into Iran.
Five men from London drove to Whelford in three white vans; one called 999, and all five were arrested.
The five men were released on police bail after no explosives or discernible plot were found.
Two more men were arrested on suspicion of terror offences and released on police bail.
The US withdrew 12 B-1 bombers stationed at Fairford.
- Location
- RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire
- Arrested after arriving in vans
- Five men from London
- Vehicles
- Three white vans
- Date of arrests
- 27 September
- US aircraft withdrawn
- 12 B-1 bombers
Sources
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