British police arrested a 27-year-old dual U.K.-Iranian national in London on suspicion of plotting a terror attack after a security incident at RAF Fairford, a U.S.-used air base. Officers searched two properties and a 26-year-old British national was interviewed under caution. Five men arrested near the base were released on bail after gasoline — but no explosives — was found in vans. British officials say there are "strong indications" of possible Iranian involvement, which Iran denies, and investigators are coordinating with U.S. counterparts.
Dual U.K.-Iranian National Arrested in London After Security Incident at RAF Fairford — Possible Iran Link Investigated
A B-1 bomber takes off from RAF Fairford in Fairford, England, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
British police arrested a 27-year-old dual U.K.-Iranian national in London on suspicion of plotting a terror attack after a security incident at RAF Fairford, a U.S.-used military air base in England, authorities said.
Counter Terrorism Policing said officers detained the man on Thursday and searched two properties in the capital. A separate 26-year-old British national was interviewed by police "under caution," a recorded procedure that can be used in later prosecutions.
On Sunday, five men — all British nationals in their 20s from London — were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of explosives and terror offenses. The five were later released on bail. Police reported finding gasoline, an accelerant, in three vans linked to those suspects but said no explosive devices were recovered.
Police officers stand at a checkpoint near RAF Fairford air base, in Fairford, England Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
"The investigation is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of inquiry," said Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing. "As we've made clear, we're looking at all possible angles — including possible foreign state involvement."
British officials said they have "strong indications" that Iran may have been involved; Tehran denies any role. RAF Fairford, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of London, has been used by U.S. bombers in Middle East operations and has featured in long-running regional tensions.
Some U.S. political figures criticized the decision to grant bail to the five suspects; comments were made publicly by Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. British authorities emphasized that the probe remains under close control and that officials have been coordinating with U.S. counterparts as the investigation continues.
U.K. counterterrorism officials have previously pointed to proxies linked to Iran in a series of attacks and arsons in Britain and elsewhere, many targeting Jewish communities. Authorities warn that, if regional conflicts persist, Tehran or its proxies could broaden the scope of such activity.
What happens next: Specialist teams will continue forensic work and intelligence inquiries. Further arrests or charges could follow if investigators develop stronger evidence linking suspects to attempted attacks or foreign involvement.
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