Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the UK has “strong indications” that Iran played a part in the security incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Burnham publicly confirmed the Government’s assessment on Wednesday, while stressing that the circumstances remain the subject of an ongoing, complex and serious counter-terrorism police investigation.
Speaking to broadcasters, the Prime Minister said the Government now believed Iran had played a part in what happened near the airbase over the weekend, but did not disclose the intelligence or evidence underpinning that assessment.
Five men arrested near RAF Fairford
Five British men in their 20s were arrested near RAF Fairford on Sunday after police responded to reports of suspicious activity involving vehicles close to the base.
The men were arrested on suspicion of offences relating to explosives and preparing acts of terrorism. All five were subsequently released on bail and remain under investigation.
No charges have been announced and the arrests do not establish that any of the men committed an offence.
Counter-terrorism police later confirmed that a quantity of petrol was recovered during searches, but no explosive devices were found.
Burnham says Iran may have played a part
Burnham said there were “strong indications” that Iran played a part in the incident and said Britain was working closely with the United States as the investigation continued.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that he chaired a meeting of the Government’s COBRA emergency committee on Monday.
His comments mark a significant development because British authorities had previously said they were examining all possibilities, including whether a hostile foreign state or proxies acting knowingly or unknowingly on behalf of one could have been involved.
The Government’s assessment does not amount to a judicial finding or independently establish Iranian responsibility. Burnham has not publicly disclosed the evidence behind the assessment and police inquiries remain active.
Iran denies involvement
Iran has rejected suggestions that it was involved.
The Iranian embassy in London said it “categorically rejects and strongly condemns” what it described as unfounded speculation linking Iran to the arrests near RAF Fairford.
That denial should be considered alongside the UK Government’s stated belief while the evidence behind the incident remains under investigation.
RAF Fairford used by US forces
RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force station in Gloucestershire used extensively by the United States military and capable of supporting American strategic bomber operations.
The base’s role has attracted particular attention amid heightened tensions involving Iran and the United States.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously said the Fairford incident “clearly” involved the hand of a foreign actor, although he stopped short at that stage of directly attributing responsibility to Iran.
Investigation remains ongoing
Burnham said the Government would provide further information when it was able to do so.
For now, the confirmed position is that the UK Government believes there are strong indications of an Iranian role, Iran denies involvement, five men remain under investigation after being released on bail, and police have not announced any charges.