UK’s Burnham 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 suspicious activity near RAF Fairford, an airbase used by the US military. The security alert prompted a major investigation following a bomb scare near the base in southwest England on Sunday. Burnham told the BBC that Iran "played a part" in the incident, marking the first official indication from UK authorities of Iran's potential involvement.

The nature of the threat has not been explained, and Iran's embassy in London categorically rejected speculation that it was responsible. Five British men were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences but were later released on bail. Police found petrol but no explosives in the vehicles. The incident began when three white vans appeared to be heading towards RAF Fairford early Sunday morning, with masked men near the vans blocking a road.

Police conducted investigations involving a bomb disposal team over three days, but ultimately concluded no explosives were present. The speculation of Iran's involvement grew after Iran warned London against using its military bases for US purposes.