UK Prime Minister Burnham blames Iran's Revolutionary Guard for planned Fairford strike
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran's Revolutionary Guard likely orchestrated a September plot to attack the U.S.-used Fairford air base, after police seized explosives near the site and detained seven suspects, including an Iranian citizen, who were later released on bail.
Police in the United Kingdom discovered explosive devices hidden in delivery vans near the Fairford air base, prompting the detention of seven people, including an Iranian citizen, who were later freed on bail. Prime Minister Andy Burnham publicly accused Iran's Revolutionary Guard of masterminding a September assault on the base, which is frequently used by United States forces. Tehran has rejected the allegation, calling it unfounded.
The episode follows earlier British statements suggesting possible Iranian involvement in the plot. The discovery of the explosives and the subsequent accusations have intensified diplomatic friction between London and Tehran, raising concerns over the security of a strategic NATO facility.
Why it matters
The claim links Iran to a potential attack on a key U.S. base in Europe, raising security and diplomatic stakes for the UK and its allies.
How this story developed
- Oct 4 US pulls all B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford after foiled terror plot
- Oct 5 The withdrawal also includes B‑2 and B‑52 aircraft, not just B‑1 bombers.
- Oct 5 Five men arrested by British police over the incident have been released on bail, and a sixth man, a dual UK‑Iranian national, has also been released on bail.
- Oct 6 Investigators recovered only petrol and found no explosives at the scene.
- Oct 6 British officials affirmed that RAF Fairford remains secure after the bomber withdrawal.
In this story
Related stories
5 in this thread