British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there are “strong indications” that Iran played a role in a suspected security incident near RAF Fairford, a UK airbase used by US forces for operations against Iran.
Burnham said the investigation remained “ongoing, complex, and serious” but confirmed that the British government believes Iran was involved.
“There are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford,” Burnham said. He added that he would not make such a statement lightly and that Britain was working closely with the United States.
Iran Denies Any Involvement
Iran has strongly rejected the British allegation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Burnham’s remarks and said the UK was “barking up the wrong tree”. Iran’s embassy in London has also denied any connection between Tehran and the incident, describing reports of Iranian involvement as unfounded.
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Burnham did not disclose what evidence had led British authorities to their assessment. He said further information would be provided when appropriate.
The British position follows comments from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the incident appeared to involve a foreign actor. US President Donald Trump had earlier suggested the suspects might have links to Iran.
Five Men Arrested Near RAF Fairford
Five British men aged between 23 and 25 were arrested early Sunday near RAF Fairford on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act.
All five are based in London, according to British counter-terrorism police. They were later released on bail while the investigation continued.
Police examined three vans linked to the suspects. Investigators confirmed that they found no improvised explosive devices, although they recovered a quantity of petrol.
The arrests triggered a major security operation around the airbase, including evacuations and a large police cordon.
Questions Over Suspects’ Release
The suspects’ release on bail drew criticism from Trump, who said he would not have taken the same decision.
Burnham defended the decision and said the men remained subject to strict bail conditions.
“I think people need to understand that when it says released, that isn’t as people might think,” he said. “It’s obviously with the strictest possible bail conditions.”
Burnham also said British officials had remained in close contact with their US counterparts throughout the investigation and expressed confidence in the security services handling the case.
Police Investigate How Incident Began
British media reported that one of the suspects called the emergency services shortly before the arrests.
Counter-terrorism police have said they received several pieces of information that contributed to the response.
Senior counter-terrorism officer Laurence Taylor said police found no improvised explosive devices in the vehicles but recovered petrol.
The investigation is continuing as British and US authorities examine whether the suspects acted independently or had links to a foreign state.
