Iranian IRGC operative linked to suspected sabotage near UK air base
Ruhollah Bazghandi, a senior IRGC counter-espionage officer, is suspected of directing hostile actions in the West, including a recent incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
The little-known IRGC official, Ruhollah Bazghandi, oversees covert operations from Tehran. Western authorities believe he coordinated a sabotage attempt close to the RAF Fairford base, where US bombers are stationed. Iran had previously warned that any site hosting US military assets could be targeted. The incident occurred at the end of September, heightening concerns over Iranian covert activity on European soil.
Why it matters
It highlights Iran's covert threat to US military sites in Europe, raising security concerns for NATO allies.
How this story developed
- Oct 12 UK Prime Minister attributes suspected RAF Fairford plot to Iran's IRGC
- Oct 12 Iran's ambassador to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, said Iran played no role in the planned attacks on RAF Fairford military base.
- Oct 12 The UK announced sanctions on two Iranian nationals linked to the plot.
- Oct 13 MI5 director Ken McCallum said Iran is ramping up hybrid campaigns targeting British assets such as RAF Fairford.
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