British counterterrorism police arrested a 27-year-old dual U.K.-Iranian national in London as investigators examine a suspected plot involving RAF Fairford, the British air base used by U.S. forces during military operations against Iran.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
British counterterrorism police arrested a dual U.K.-Iranian national Thursday in connection with the investigation into suspicious activity near RAF Fairford, expanding a terrorism inquiry that began with the detention of five men near the U.S.-used military installation over the weekend.
The 27-year-old man was arrested in Westminster, London, on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Investigators also searched two properties in Westminster, while a separate 26-year-old British national was questioned under caution but was not arrested.
“As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles — including possible foreign state involvement,” Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said. “I’d like to thank the public for their continued support and patience whilst we work through this investigation.”
The arrest follows a major security operation that began early Sunday near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where five British men ages 23 to 25 were detained after police received reports of three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the air base. The men were initially arrested under the Explosives Act and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
All five have since been released on police bail under strict conditions while remaining under investigation. Counter Terrorism Policing said forensic specialists and military personnel extensively examined the vehicles and found no improvised explosive devices, although a quantity of gasoline was recovered.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed exactly what the men are suspected of planning, and no charges have been filed against the original five suspects. Police have repeatedly cautioned that the investigation remains complex and that they are examining multiple possible explanations, including whether individuals were knowingly or unknowingly acting on behalf of a foreign government.
RAF Fairford has drawn particular attention because the Gloucestershire base is used by the U.S. Air Force and has supported American bomber operations during the ongoing conflict with Iran. That connection has led British and American officials to examine whether Tehran could have played a role in the alleged activity.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Wednesday that authorities had “strong indications” Iran was involved, although investigators have not publicly released evidence establishing Iranian direction of the suspected plot. Iran has denied involvement. British counterterrorism officials have maintained that foreign-state involvement is one of several lines of inquiry rather than a concluded finding.
The latest arrest adds a direct Iranian connection to the investigation through the 27-year-old suspect’s dual nationality, but nationality alone does not establish a connection to the Iranian government. Police have not publicly identified the man or alleged that he was acting under orders from Tehran.
The investigation has involved local police, national counterterrorism units, the Ministry of Defence and U.S. authorities. Counter Terrorism Policing previously said investigators were considering whether the incident could involve “proxies, or individuals either knowingly or unknowingly, working on behalf of a foreign state.”
RAF Fairford remained the focus of a substantial security operation after the initial arrests, with approximately 85 nearby households temporarily evacuated and military explosive-ordnance specialists deployed to inspect the vehicles. The cordons were later reduced as investigators determined there were no improvised explosive devices present.
Police have emphasized that the five men released on bail remain active subjects of the investigation and that their release should not be interpreted as the end of the inquiry. Thursday’s arrest and the questioning of another man indicate investigators are continuing to pursue additional leads several days after the initial incident.
The dual U.K.-Iranian suspect remains in custody as investigators work to determine what connection, if any, he had to the activity near RAF Fairford and whether a foreign government played a role. Authorities have not announced charges, and all individuals under investigation are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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