World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
UK says Iran was highly likely behind RAF Fairford security incident
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says Iran was highly likely behind a suspected plot near RAF Fairford, a military airbase in southwest England.
He told Parliament on Monday that the operation was almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The incident began on September 27, when men were arrested near the base on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences.
Police found gasoline in vans but no viable explosives, and those arrested were released on bail without charge.
The suspected plot’s details and danger remain unclear, and Iran denies involvement.
The base had been used by US bombers involved in strikes on Iran, and some American aircraft were withdrawn after the incident.
Britain has sanctioned two people and may impose further measures, while it investigates and works with other countries to respond.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford was highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Five British men were arrested near the airbase on September 27 on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences.
The men were later released on police bail, and investigators said they found no viable explosives in vans seized in the investigation.
Iran has rejected the accusation, calling it unfounded and malicious speculation.
Britain summoned Iran’s ambassador and announced sanctions against two individuals.
- Who
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham accused Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of directing the suspected plot.
- What
- A suspected plot targeted RAF Fairford. Five British men were arrested nearby on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences.
- When
- The arrests took place on September 27, 2026. Burnham made his assessment on October 12.
- Where
- RAF Fairford in southwest England.
- Why
- The suspected plot targeted the airbase, which has been used by US bombers. The sources do not state a confirmed motive.
UK government
Iranian government
Responsibility
UK government
Burnham said the incident was highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by the IRGC.
Iranian government
Iran rejected any suggestion it was involved and called the accusation unfounded and malicious speculation.
Evidence
UK government
British authorities cited their assessment and said investigators found accelerants but no viable explosives in vans.
Iranian government
Iran called on Britain to present evidence supporting its allegations.
Five British men were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences.
Police made another arrest in connection with the incident.
Burnham told parliament that the suspected plot was highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by the IRGC.
Britain summoned Iran’s ambassador and announced sanctions against two individuals.
- Airbase
- RAF Fairford, southwest England
- Arrests
- Five British men arrested on September 27, 2026
- Assessment
- Burnham said Iranian coordination was highly likely
- Suspected direction
- Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
- Sanctions
- Two individuals announced as subject to UK sanctions
What people are saying
I can confirm our assessment that it is highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran, almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC),
We will not tolerate these threats on our soil.
categorically rejecting the accusations
Sources
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UK PM Burnham says Iran’s IRGC ‘highly likely’ to have been behind RAF Fairford incident
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UK’s Burnham says Iran’s IRGC likely behind airbase incident
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Iran’s IRGC likely behind incident at U.S.-run air base, British PM Burnham says
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards ‘almost certainly’ behind RAF Fairford threats, says Burnham
U.K. PM Burnham says Iran’s IRGC likely behind RAF Fairford incident
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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps likely behind Fairford airbase incident, says British PM Burnham
UK says air base security incident almost certainly directed by Iran
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