Iran on Monday categorically denied any involvement in a suspected plot targeting a British airbase used by the United States for military operations against Iranian targets.
The denial came after British police released five men on bail following their arrest over suspected explosives and terrorism offences.
Iran’s embassy in London said in a statement on X that it “categorically rejects and strongly condemns” what it described as unfounded speculation linking Tehran to the incident. The embassy said such reports could contribute to what it called “Iranophobia propaganda” in Britain.
The five suspects, all British nationals from London and in their mid-20s, were arrested early Sunday after police received reports of three suspicious white vans travelling towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The base hosts US bombers involved in military missions.
Police said the men were released on bail after extensive interviews and inquiries, while stressing that the investigation remained ongoing.
Laurence Taylor, assistant commissioner and head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said investigators were examining the incident from “every possible angle”, including the possibility that those involved could be acting as proxies or individuals knowingly or unknowingly working on behalf of a foreign state.
Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, acknowledged speculation surrounding the motive and wider geopolitical implications but urged the public to allow investigators time to establish the facts.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also convened an emergency meeting with senior officials to assess the situation. He cancelled several engagements at the Labour Party’s annual conference to monitor developments.
Authorities have not disclosed the precise nature of the suspected threat. A bomb disposal robot was deployed near the vans, which were examined by forensic teams with military assistance. Armed officers secured the main entrance to the airbase, while heavy machinery restricted access through other routes.
A nearby farmer who alerted police after reportedly seeing hooded and masked men running into fields said she believed her emergency call had helped prevent a potential attack. She also criticised the authorities’ handling of the threat.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the farmer had only a partial understanding of the investigation and declined to speculate on the motive while the inquiry was underway. However, he said Britain faced a broader security threat from Iran and its proxies.
Following the arrests, the US Embassy issued a security alert advising American citizens in Britain to exercise caution and remain aware of their personal security. Security measures were also increased at other US military bases across the country.
US President Donald Trump, speaking during a visit to Chicago on Sunday, said the suspects had allegedly intended to cause significant damage and had been under investigation by British and American authorities. He also appeared to acknowledge a possible Iranian connection when questioned about the case.
In March, the British government authorised the United States to use bombers stationed at RAF Fairford to conduct strikes against Iranian missile sites targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Following the arrests, police established a 400-metre security cordon around the base and evacuated residents from 85 homes. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood later said the area had been secured and residents would soon be allowed to return.
