UK PM says ‘strong indications’ Iran involved in airbase incident

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Wednesday that there were strong indications Iran was involved in a suspicious activity at RAF Fairford, a UK airbase used by the US military. This incident triggered a major security scare on Sunday, with three white vans reportedly heading towards the airbase and masked men seen near the vans.

UK police later found no explosives in the vehicles but discovered a quantity of petrol. Five British men arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offenses were released on bail after three days of investigation, with authorities stating they found no explosives but had retrieved petrol. The incident has been shrouded in confusion, with The Times newspaper reporting that one of the suspects may have tipped off the police, leading to their arrest.

US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously hinted at intelligence bodies being aware of the suspects, suggesting a foreign state involvement. However, UK officials had not commented until Burnham's statement. Iran's embassy in London categorically rejected the speculation, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Burnham of being "barking up the wrong tree."

Police emphasized that no explosives were found at the scene, but clarified that the nature of the threat remains undisclosed.