British authorities are investigating a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, with officials indicating possible Iranian involvement. The incident, which occurred early Sunday, involved three vans blocking a road close to the military base, which has been used in recent months by U.S. bombers launching air strikes against Iran.
Five men, all British nationals in their mid-20s from London, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses and terrorism-related activity. All five have since been released on bail. Police found petrol in the vehicles but no explosives. The vehicles were examined by counterterrorism units, and authorities confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were recovered.
The investigation gained further attention due to the base’s strategic role in U.S.-Iran tensions. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard had previously warned that any military sites used to launch strikes against Iran would be considered legitimate targets. Iranian officials, including the ambassador to London, Seyed Ali Mousavi, had described the use of RAF Fairford by American bombers as a critical self-defense issue. Iran’s embassy in London has denied any involvement in the recent incident.
Andy Burnham, the UK Prime Minister, stated that there are "strong indications" suggesting Iran’s involvement in the plot, though he emphasized the investigation remains ongoing. Burnham, speaking from Liverpool during the Labour Party Conference, noted that a Cobra meeting had been convened to address the matter and that authorities were actively managing the situation.
Details surrounding the incident include observations from a local farmer who reported seeing one of the vans bearing signage reading “Fuel 2You,” a name mimicking a legitimate fuel delivery company in the UK but with distinctly different branding. The displayed phone number had formatting more common in Iran, and the use of a red logo—unusual for UK fuel suppliers where green is standard—was also highlighted.
A police robotics unit was seen disabling one of the vans in video footage recorded by a nearby resident, underscoring the serious nature of the response. Notably, one of the men later arrested placed a call to police approximately an hour before the farmer’s emergency call, adding complexity to the unfolding investigation.
U.S. officials have also commented on the case. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the plot as involving “the hand of a foreign actor” but withheld further specifics. Former President Donald Trump suggested a potential Iranian link.
The head of UK counter-terrorism policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, confirmed the examination of the vehicles and the discovery of petrol but reiterated that no explosives were found.
The suspected plot has drawn criticism from UK opposition politicians. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch urged the government to demonstrate greater seriousness in handling national security, emphasizing the gravity of these developments. The Foreign Secretary is reportedly closely involved as the investigation continues.