UK PM Burnham says Iran 'played a part' in airbase incident

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that there are "strong indications" that Iran was involved in a security incident at RAF Fairford, a UK airbase used by the US military. The incident occurred on Sunday, when three white vans were seen heading towards the base in the early hours of the morning. A local resident reported seeing a group of masked men near the vans, which were blocking a road in a village next to the base.

According to Burnham, the incident triggered a major security response, including the arrest of five British men in their 20s on suspicion of explosives offenses and planning an act of terror. However, they were released on bail a day later. The police investigation found no explosives at the scene, but the nature of the threat remains unclear.

Iran's embassy in London has "categorically rejected and strongly condemned" speculation of its involvement in the incident. Burnham's comments are the first official confirmation from UK authorities that Iran may have had a hand in the incident. The US Secretary of State also suggested that a foreign actor may have been involved.

Brief written by urgent.news from Le Monde English, Global News, South China Morning Post, Haaretz, Hindustan Times - World News — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.