Iran responds to claims they were involved in suspected RAF Fairford bomb plot
Iran has hit back at claims that it was involved in the alleged bomb plot at RAF Fairford that was reportedly rumbled by a farmer.
Armed police arrested five British nationals on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences after receiving reports that three suspicious vans were travelling towards the base that is used by the US military.
Amid speculation that the shock incident on Sunday (27 September) was connected to Donald Trump's war in Iran, officials have now responded.
Authorities in the UK are currently working to determine the motive behind the incident, with counter terror cops stating that they are aware of 'the geopolitical questions that are being raised'.
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A 24-year-old from Camden, three men aged 23, 24 and 25 from Westminster and one 24-year-old man from Willesden were arrested in connection with the incident.
Iran's London embassy has since released a statement saying it 'categorically rejects' the idea that it had any involvement in the suspected bomb plot at RAF Fairford.
The statement shared on X on Monday (28 September) said: "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in London categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations published by some British individuals and media outlets attempting to link Iran to arrest of five suspects in the vicinity of RAF Fairford base.
"The circulation of such fabricated speculations, particularly in the aftermath of the criminal acts of aggression committed by the United States and the Israeli regime against the Iranian people, will serve no purpose other than to fuel Iranophobia propaganda in the UK.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to take appropriate legal measures, as necessary, to safeguard the rights and interests of the country and its people in response to misleading and damaging media narratives."
The police response to RAF Fairford was not intelligence-led, meaning investigators had not known about any potential plot in advance - and it was instead down to the instincts of a female farmer.
Iran's statement comes just hours after the US government warned its citizens to 'exercise caution' in Britain after the alleged plot was foiled.
The US Embassy in London said it was 'aware' of the arrests of men who were 'looking to do big damage' to US forces.
"US citizens are encouraged to exercise caution and be mindful of personal security," it said. "US citizens are advised to follow instructions of local authorities for their personal safety and security.
"We remind US citizens that UK authorities rate the threat of terrorism in the UK as severe. US-associated facilities, gatherings, and organisations may be at heightened risk."
Amid the ongoing probe into the incident on Sunday, investigators will now likely be analysing any devices seized from the five men who were taken into custody to help them piece together their potential motivation.
The arrests come amid heightened concerns around the threat from hostile states to the UK.
Defence Secretary warns that Iran 'wishes harm to our country'
In March, former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer granted permission for 'defensive' US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases, four American bombers landed at RAF Fairford.
The US started using British bases for 'specific defensive operations'. Support for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hayi was also banned in July by Starmer.
Speaking to GB News on Monday, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting issued an update on the investigation into the incident at RAF Fairford.
"At this stage it would be too early to attribute background aims, motivations for these men who are under arrest," he said. "We are obviously investigating, and we will come forward to the public.
"But to my comments back in earlier this year, which you referenced, I absolutely stand by the argument I was making: we shouldn’t be cowed by sabre rattling from Iran, and we shouldn’t be in any doubt that the Iranian regime is one that wishes harm to our country, our allies, and the freedom and democracy that we enjoy.
"But I just want to be absolutely clear about this: regardless of the threats we face from Iran or anyone else, we don’t allow the threats that they make and the harm that they would do us, given the opportunity and the means, to allow them to dictate our foreign policy, our defence posture, or any of our other choices."
Olivia Burke