UK PM claims Iran allegedly behind plot to attack base with US bombers, police say one suspect called emergency lines himself

This past weekend, British police reportedly stopped a potential plot against RAF Fairford, an air base currently used by the United States Military for missions involving B-1 bombers. Per CNN, Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the BBC of a new suspicion, stating, “There are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford, but of course it remains an ongoing, complex, and serious police investigation.”

CNN reported that in the early hours of Sunday morning, five British nationals in their 20s from the London area were apprehended near the base. Authorities initially arrested the group on suspicion of explosive offenses, later escalating the investigation to include terrorism charges. Despite the gravity of these accusations, the suspects were eventually released on police bail. This decision drew criticism from President Donald Trump, who remarked, “I wouldn’t have done that.”

In response to the pushback, Burnham reportedly emphasized in the BBC interview that, “I think people need to understand that you know when it says released, that isn’t as people might think. It’s obviously with the strictest possible bail conditions.” He further noted that his government has been in constant communication with American counterparts to explain the process, adding that he has “complete confidence” in the way British authorities are managing the case.

Multiple intelligence reports seem to point to IRGC involvement

According to the Wall Street Journal, an anonymous official familiar with the intelligence claimed that U.S. officials were aware of a plot involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A branch of the IRGC allegedly recruited U.K. nationals to carry out the operation. The outlet noted that the plan allegedly involved multiple steps, including a diversion in the nearby neighborhood. 

WSJ highlighted that such a move would be a significant escalation, as Iran has historically utilized criminal proxies for covert operations on European soil. While these proxies are often hired via encrypted apps with the promise of payment, they sometimes remain unaware of who is truly orchestrating their actions. In fact, one of the bigger worries in the Iran conflict was how these proxy groups would react. 

A particularly strange detail emerged regarding the lead-up to the arrests. Both The Guardian and other reports indicate that one of the suspects actually called 999, the emergency number in Britain, nearly an hour before a local farmer alerted the police to the presence of masked men and three white vans. 

This has reportedly led to speculation that the suspect may have gotten cold feet or that the call was somehow part of a larger, confusing plan. Per The Guardian, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, a senior counter-terrorism police officer, told the press, “A police response was activated in the early hours of Sunday morning due to a range of information received, including a call from a member of the public about several vehicles acting suspiciously close to RAF Fairford.”

Taylor also noted that “no improvised explosive devices were found” in the vans, but police did recover a “quantity of petrol,” per CNN. Officials have explicitly denied rumors that the men were in the area simply to steal fuel from local farmers. It should be noted that there have been previous fears of Iran attacks. For instance, earlier this year, the FBI warned California of a potential drone attack, although that threat was dismissed. 

The outlet reported that the Iranian embassy in London has since pushed back against these allegations, stating it “categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations” of Iranian involvement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi went a step further on Wednesday, claiming that the UK was “barking up the wrong tree.”

At the same time, per CNN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel had passed intelligence to Britain indicating that an “Iranian-sponsored attack” was in the works. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Tuesday that the plot “clearly involved the hands of a foreign actor.” 

Burnham also, reportedly remains firm in his assessment, telling the BBC, “We will say more in due course, but we can confirm our belief that we believe Iran to have played a part.” He also told the network, “Obviously I wouldn’t say it lightly,” regarding his statements on the matter.

As the investigation moves forward, the UK government is working to balance transparency with the complexities of an ongoing police matter. The Guardian noted that Burnham has held meetings of the government’s Cobra emergency committee and maintained that he is on top of the situation. While some have suggested recalling parliament, the Prime Minister noted that there is no urgent need for such a move at this stage, though he would not hesitate if circumstances changed.