UK blames Iran for coordinating suspected plot at RAF Fairford air base

Oct 13, 1:57 AM2 min readCovered by 4 outlets

Drafted by AI from the sources below, fact-checked by the Ajako Taja Editorial Team · How we use AI

AI Summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham says Iran's IRGC 'almost certainly' directed a September plot at RAF Fairford, sparking new sanctions and diplomatic tension.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guard of directing a September security incident at the RAF Fairford air base, leading to new sanctions.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the House of Commons on Monday that it is highly likely a suspected plot at the Gloucestershire base was coordinated in Iran. He stated the incident was almost certainly directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In response, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband summoned the Iranian ambassador and announced sanctions against two individuals suspected of involvement in hostile activities.

The security alert began on September 27 when police arrested five British men near the base, which is used by the United States military. While a bomb squad was deployed, investigators found petroleum but no viable explosives in the suspects' vans. Deutsche Welle noted that while the group's competence appeared limited, the British government is treating the event as a state-linked threat. All five men, and two others arrested later, have since been released on stringent police bail.

Foreign Secretary Miliband identified the sanctioned individuals as Ruhollah Bazghandi, a counterespionage official in the IRGC, and Shahram Ali Reza Tamarzadeh Jakki. They face asset freezes, travel bans, and director disqualifications. France 24 reported that US officials previously suspected a potential drone attack plot, a threat that President Donald Trump said influenced a decision to withdraw certain bombers from the facility.

Iran has denied any connection to the events at the base. Ambassador Seyed Ali Mousavi called the accusations baseless and challenged the British government to present any supporting evidence. According to Al Jazeera, the ambassador also stated that Tehran would be willing to assist in the investigation, despite categorically rejecting the claims of Iranian involvement.

Background

RAF Fairford is a key European facility for the US Air Force, housing heavy bombers such as B-1s and B-52s. These aircraft have previously been used to conduct strikes against Iranian interests.