UK foils suspected Iran-linked bomb plot near US-used RAF Fairford base

Early yesterday, counter-terrorism officers halted five men travelling in three vans loaded with explosives only 350 yards from RAF Fairford, the Gloucestershire airfield used by the US Air Force for strikes against Iran. If investigators confirm Iranian direction, the plot would mark a significant step up in Tehran’s shadow war against the UK and other nations supporting US military actions. Iran has already launched missiles and drones at US bases across the Gulf, struck high-profile targets in Dubai, and hit RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, while British forces have repelled attacks in Iraq and on the Diego Garcia base.

The campaign extends to cyber warfare, with dozens of attacks on US, Middle-Eastern and UK infrastructure, including a four-day shutdown of a UK power plant. On British soil, Iran-backed proxies have carried out arson at Jewish community sites, attempted a drone launch near the Israeli embassy, and assaulted an Iran International journalist. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and other officials have warned that Iran seeks to harm UK interests wherever possible and affirmed ongoing efforts to detect and deter such operations.