UK PM says 'strong indications' Iran involved in airbase incident

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham revealed on Wednesday that there were strong indications Iran was involved in a suspicious incident at RAF Fairford, an airbase used by the US military in its war against Iran. Burnham disclosed the information to the BBC, referring to a bomb scare near the airbase on Sunday. While the incident remains under investigation, Burnham emphasized that it was part of an ongoing, complex, and serious police inquiry.

Iran's embassy in London categorically rejected and strongly condemned any speculation of involvement, while Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed Burnham was barking up the wrong tree.

Police investigations found no explosives at the scene, but a quantity of petrol was retrieved from the white vans that appeared to be heading towards the RAF Fairford. The nature of the threat has not been explained by officials, leaving growing confusion surrounding the incident. Five British men were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offenses, but after three days of investigation, including a bomb disposal team, no explosives were found.

Instead, police reported finding a quantity of petrol. Later reports suggested that one of the suspects had tipped off the police, foiling the plot. US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously hinted at intelligence evidence suggesting a foreign state's involvement, but UK officials had not confirmed this.

The incident had raised concerns about Tehran's warning against the US using RAF Fairford for defensive strikes against Iran, which had drawn ire from the Iranian government and unease from local residents.