The United Kingdom's Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, stated that a suspected plot against the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Fairford was "almost certainly" directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This allegation was made on Monday as the UK announced sanctions on two Iranian nationals for their alleged involvement in "hostile activity." Burnham emphasized that the UK government would take action against Iran's criminal networks and impose further sanctions to limit the IRGC's capacity to cause harm.
The incident at the RAF base occurred on September 27, when five British men in their 20s were arrested on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses. Police discovered a supply of petrol in three vans linked to the suspects, but no explosives were found. The men were later released without charge under stringent conditions. Two additional individuals, including a British-Iranian national, were arrested but subsequently released. The nature of the threat at Fairford remains unclear.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced sanctions against Ruhollah Bazghandi, head of IRGC counterespionage operations, and Shahram Ali Reza Tamarzadeh Jakki, identified as a facilitator for the Zindashti criminal network, which is already under UK sanctions. Miliband also summoned Iran's ambassador to express the UK's stance on the matter.
Iran's ambassador to the UK, Ali Mousavi, met with UK Minister for the Middle East Stephen Doughty and categorically denied any Iranian involvement, urging the UK to avoid unsubstantiated claims. Tehran has previously condemned allegations linking it to the arrests near Fairford, warning that such statements contribute to Iranophobia.
RAF Fairford, located approximately 160 km (100 miles) west of London, is a key base for US bombers and has been used in military operations against Iran. Earlier this month, the US relocated its B-52 and B-1 bombers due to concerns over a potential Iranian drone attack on the facility. On the same day, 29 countries, including the UK and the US, issued a joint statement condemning Iran's violent actions, including plotting, sabotage, and cyber-attacks against their nations.