UK’s Burnham says ‘strong indications’ Iran involved in airbase incident

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that Iran is believed to have been involved in the incident at the RAF Fairford air base in England over the weekend, which saw five British nationals arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. The suspects were later released on bail, despite having the right to be held for up to 14 days under U.K. counterterrorism laws.

The police found no explosives or fuel in the men's vehicles, but some large, mostly empty plastic drums. Local media reported that the men could have been fuel thieves, but this has not been confirmed. Burnham indicated that a more serious plot could have been in play, emphasizing that the incident remains an ongoing investigation.

He also stressed that the suspects were released under strict bail conditions and that the U.K. is working closely with the U.S. on the matter. Iranian authorities have rejected claims linking Iran to the incident, but the Iran-aligned group IMCR has claimed responsibility for attacks on Jewish communities in Europe.