UK police question 5 men held near airbase used by US to attack Iran

British counter-terrorism police questioned five men on Monday in connection with a major incident near RAF Fairford, an air base used by the US to attack Iran. The men were detained on Sunday after a tip-off that three large white vans had been seen heading towards the military airfield. The suspects were reportedly looking to cause significant damage and had been under investigation by both British and US authorities.

While the motive remains unclear, officials believe an Iranian-linked motive is the most likely possibility, though a Russian sabotage operation or Islamist plot are also being explored. British Defence Minister Wes Streeting stated that Iran and its proxies seek to harm the country and regularly attempt to threaten its interests and those of its allies.

In May, Britain sanctioned 12 individuals and entities linked to Iran, accusing them of involvement in hostile activities. The US had granted permission for its bombers based at Fairford to strike Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guards had warned Britain not to allow US bombers to use the base, threatening retaliation if the plan went ahead.

Police have cordoned off a 400-meter area around the base and evacuated 85 homes in the vicinity. Security remains heightened at RAF Fairford and other US bases in the UK.