Two men have been authorized to be held for up to seven days in connection with an investigation into a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The extension of their detention was approved by Westminster magistrates’ court, allowing Counter Terrorism Policing additional time to question the suspects.

The individuals, both from the London borough of Westminster, were re-arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. Authorities have identified the country involved as Iran. One of the men is a 24-year-old UK national, while the other is a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national. The 24-year-old was initially detained on September 27 near RAF Fairford, and the 25-year-old was first arrested on October 1 in Westminster.

The investigation follows the recent stopping of three vans near the military base, which prompted a wider crackdown. Five other men who were arrested during the inquiry remain on police bail. The specific charges under consideration include allegations of assisting Iranian intelligence services, as outlined under Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.

No formal charges have yet been filed against the two men during this extended detention period, which lasts until October 27. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the alleged plot or the nature of the assistance purportedly provided to the foreign intelligence service.

The case remains under active investigation as security officials continue to probe the potential threat to the RAF installation.