A 27-year-old dual British-Iranian citizen has been arrested in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts as police investigate a complex incident near RAF Fairford, an air base recently used by US bombers during the conflict with Iran.
By the online newsroom
LONDON — British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in connection with a major security investigation involving RAF Fairford in western England.
The man was detained in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. A second man, a 26-year-old British citizen, has also been questioned under caution as part of the same investigation.
The case centres on events near RAF Fairford, a base that has been used by the United States for bomber operations during the recent conflict involving Iran.
Five British men in their 20s had previously been arrested near the base on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences. They were later released without charge on police bail, but investigators said the inquiry was continuing and that possible foreign-state involvement remained one of the lines being examined.
A major security operation
The incident triggered a large police response in Gloucestershire.
A wide cordon was established around the area and nearby homes were evacuated while officers searched vehicles and examined the scene.
Police said the operation began after receiving a range of information, including concerns raised by a local farmer who reportedly became suspicious after seeing several men near the base in three vans.
Petrol was later found in the vehicles, but investigators said no improvised explosive device was discovered.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.
Possible foreign-state involvement
Britain’s Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, said the investigation was highly complex and that specialist teams were pursuing several lines of inquiry.
Authorities have made clear that they are considering all possible explanations, including whether a foreign state may have played a role.
The case has attracted particular attention because of the strategic importance of RAF Fairford and its recent use by US aircraft during military operations linked to the Iran conflict.
Political pressure and international tensions
The incident has also drawn political attention in both Britain and the United States.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said possible Iranian involvement is among the scenarios being considered.
The UK is also working closely with the United States, given the presence of American military assets at RAF Fairford.
US President Donald Trump has publicly criticised the earlier release of the five men arrested near the base and suggested that serious damage may have been planned.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also referred to the possible involvement of a foreign actor.
Those claims, however, remain part of the wider political reaction and have not been established as fact by the investigation.
Iran summons British ambassador
Tensions between London and Tehran have increased following the incident.
The Iranian government has summoned the British ambassador in Tehran, adding a diplomatic dimension to an investigation that is already being treated as a major national security matter.
For now, British police say the inquiry remains active and complex.
The arrest of the dual UK-Iranian national marks a significant new development, but many key questions remain unanswered — including the exact nature of the alleged plot, the role of those previously detained, and whether the case has any direct link to a foreign government.
