UK PM: Iran Almost Certainly Directed Suspected Terror Plot Against RAF Base
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed on Monday that the suspected terrorist plot targeting Royal Air Force Fairford was highly likely coordinated within Iran and almost certainly directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) . The assessment marks a significant escalation in UK-Iran diplomatic tensions. Authorities arrested seven individuals including five British men near the base last month, and the US subsequently withdrew its strategic bombers from the facility .
Key Points
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Parliament on Monday that authorities assess the suspected attack on RAF Fairford was highly likely coordinated in Iran, almost certainly directed by the IRGC
- On September 27, UK police arrested five British men near the base on suspicion of terrorism and explosive-related offences; two additional arrests followed, including one dual British-Iranian national
- Officers discovered gasoline in the seized vehicles but found no viable explosives for making bomb devices, and all seven suspects were released on bail without charges
- The US deployed 12 B-1 bombers at RAF Fairford for missions against Iran; Washington withdrew all bombers from the base last week following the threat assessment
- UK Foreign Secretary summoned Iran's ambassador Mostafa Movahedi and announced sanctions on IRGC anti-espionage chief Mohammad Baqer Bazargani and accomplice Ali Jaki, including asset freezes and entry bans
- Nearly 30 countries including the US, Canada, France and Germany issued a joint statement strongly condemning Iran's alleged assassination plots, arson, sabotage and cyber attacks
Why It Matters
The alleged Iranian plot against a UK base hosting US nuclear-capable bombers represents a potential act of war if confirmed, demonstrating how Middle Eastern conflicts can directly threaten European security . The incident reveals Iran's extensive network of covert operations on Western soil, with UK authorities claiming to have documented 20 credible threats of assassination or kidnapping targeting individuals in Britain .
The alleged Iranian plot against a UK base hosting US nuclear-capable bombers represents a potential act of war if confirmed, demonstrating how Middle Eastern conflicts can directly threaten European security . The incident reveals Iran's extensive network of covert operations on Western soil, with UK authorities claiming to have documented 20 credible threats of assassination or kidnapping targeting individuals in Britain .