Iran’s embassy in London has formally rejected claims connecting Tehran to a suspected plot against the RAF Fairford airbase in southwest England. In a statement released Monday, officials characterized such reports as “fabricated speculations” and “malicious” attempts to promote anti-Iranian sentiment across Britain. According to iran’s embassy in London, It “categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations published by some British individuals and media outlets”, asserting that the accusations would fuel “Iranophobia propaganda” in Britain.
The incident centers on the detention of five British nationals, aged 23 to 25, who were taken into custody on Sunday morning. Police intercepted the group after receiving intelligence regarding three suspicious vehicles reportedly heading toward the airbase, which currently houses US military aircraft involved in strikes against Iranian missile positions near the Strait of Hormuz. According to five British nationals were arrested in the vicinity of the base, which hosts United, Military aircraft that have been used to bomb Iran amid the conflict between the two countries. The UK government gave the US authorisation to use bombers based at the RAF Fairford to strike Iranian missile sites that were attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Counterterrorism authorities initially held the men on suspicion of the “preparation of a terrorist act” and potential offenses under the Explosives Act. By Monday afternoon, however, officials confirmed that all five suspects were released on bail. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor noted that while the immediate detention phase has concluded, the investigation remains active, with the men subject to strict conditions on their movement and communication.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband addressed the broader security climate on Monday, emphasizing the nation’s resolve to counter threats against Europe. Miliband explicitly stated, “We will act against the proxies of Iran,” though local law enforcement has not yet confirmed an official link between the specific arrests and the Iranian state.
US President Donald Trump commented on the operation, alleging that the suspects were under long-term monitoring by British and American agencies. He claimed the individuals intended to cause “big damage” before they were apprehended.
The investigation continues as Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares to chair an emergency meeting of the COBRA response team. Security experts are currently exploring several possibilities, including the potential involvement of Russian sabotage or Islamist factions, in addition to the concerns regarding Iranian proxies.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps previously identified the Fairford base as a legitimate target in July. In its Monday statement, the Iranian embassy warned that it reserves the right to pursue appropriate legal measures in response to the ongoing accusations.
