5 British suspects arrested, explosives found near U.S.-run air base. Iran denies role

Early Sunday, police apprehended five British suspects near RAF Fairford, a U.S.-operated air base in England, amid a counterterror investigation. The men, all in their 20s and British nationals from London, were initially detained on suspicion of explosives offenses and later on terrorism preparations. Three vans were spotted near the base, prompting an evacuation of 85 homes in the nearby village of Whelford.

Army bomb-disposal experts conducted a robot inspection of the vans, while residents have yet to return home. Iran has denied involvement, stating it "categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations" about the incident. U.S. officials say they have been cooperating with British authorities on the case.

British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of the arrests, stating it was a "proud moment" that President Trump recognized the work of British police and intelligence services. This comes amid heightened tensions around hostile state threats, with British intelligence services noting a 50% increase in national security cases linked to Iran and Russia in the past year.