UK police probe suspected terror plot near air base

British police are investigating five men suspected of involvement in a potential terrorist plot near RAF Fairford, a military airbase that has been utilized by the United States to conduct strikes against Iran. According to reports, the men were apprehended early on Sunday following a tip-off regarding three large white vans heading towards the airfield. The suspects were allegedly planning to cause significant damage, as per US President Donald Trump's statement.

Police sources indicate that Iranian-linked motives are considered the most plausible explanation, although investigations are also focusing on potential Russian sabotage or an Islamist plot. Defence Minister Wes Streeting declined to speculate about the suspects' motives, emphasizing that Iran and its proxies harbor a desire to harm Britain.

The country has previously sanctioned 12 Iranian individuals and entities for engaging in hostile activities, including plotting attacks and providing financial support to destabilize the UK and other nations.

In response to the incident, the British government authorized the US to deploy bombers based at Fairford to target Iranian missile sites that had attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been regularly briefed on the situation and missed attending at least two events during his Labour Party's annual conference on Sunday due to the ongoing investigation.

The authorities have imposed a 400-meter cordon around RAF Fairford, evacuating 85 local residents, and a bomb disposal robot was seen operating around the three white vans. Security measures have been intensified at the base and other US facilities in Britain. Iran's Revolutionary Guards had previously warned Britain in July not to permit US bombers to use Fairford, stating that any base utilized for launching attacks would become a legitimate target.