UK defense minister: Too early to speculate on Iran link to airbase incident

Counter-terrorism police are investigating whether Iran is responsible for a suspected bomb plot following the discovery of explosives in three vans near an RAF base used by US military personnel. Five men were arrested on terrorism charges after being found in the vans, with investigators examining materials found in the vehicles, which were consistent with improvised explosive devices.

The incident occurred after five men were arrested on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act. The arrests came after a member of the public spotted the suspicious vans and called 999, leading to the evacuation of 85 households in the nearby village of Whelford and the deployment of bomb robots to examine the vehicles.

Tests are ongoing to determine if the suspected explosive devices were viable. The men arrested were also seen in images with their shirts off, which could indicate a precautionary measure against suicide vests or concealed weapons. One of the vans carried the logo of a fuel company, but the real fuel company firmly denied any connection to the incident.

The counter-terrorism police stated that the arrests were made at around 12:45 am on Sunday, September 27th, on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act. The investigation into the plot, which appeared to have been foiled by chance, has raised questions regarding the UK's readiness to protect itself from potential attacks, as the threat level remains at severe.