LONDON - Britain said Monday that a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford, an air base in southwestern England used by the U.S. military, was highly likely coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivered the assessment to Parliament on Oct. 12, according to Reuters and The Associated Press. The British government said it would not tolerate threats on its territory and would step up efforts to disrupt criminal networks allegedly used by Tehran.
Iran has denied any role in the incident. Iranian Ambassador Seyed Ali Mousavi called on the British government to provide documents and evidence supporting its allegations.
Seven Arrested, No Charges Filed
The investigation began after a major security operation near RAF Fairford on Sept. 27. Five British men in their 20s were initially arrested, and two more suspects were detained later, including a dual British-Iranian citizen.
All seven have been released on bail. Their names have not been made public, and no criminal charges have been filed.
Police found petrol in three vans connected to the initial group but did not discover a viable explosive device. U.S. officials have said they suspect the alleged plan may have involved a drone attack.
The security concern prompted the United States to move B-1 bombers out of RAF Fairford and return them to their main bases. The airfield had been used by U.S. bombers involved in strikes against Iran.
British officials said investigators believe a coordinator based in Iran may have been involved. The person’s identity has not been publicly disclosed, and the continuing investigation has not produced a court finding establishing responsibility.
Britain Signals Further Sanctions
Burnham said Britain would target the financial and criminal networks it says Iran uses abroad and would impose further measures against the IRGC. London has already sanctioned two Iranian nationals, including a man British authorities describe as directing IRGC counterintelligence operations.
Nearly 30 countries, including the United States, Canada, France and Germany, have jointly condemned alleged Iranian plots, arson attacks, sabotage, cyberattacks and other hybrid operations outside Iran.
The allegations remain claims by British and allied governments. The suspects in the RAF Fairford case have not been convicted, and the reported connection to the IRGC has not been tested in court.
Source: Vesti Baku, Reuters and The Associated Press.