RAF Fairford Plot: Why Was a UK-Iranian Man Arrested Days After 5 Men Were Detained?

A 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national was arrested in Westminster on Oct. 1 as part of the counter-terrorism investigation into activity near RAF Fairford, days after five British men were detained in Gloucestershire. A 26-year-old British man was also questioned under caution and two properties in Westminster were searched, Counter Terrorism Policing said.

The latest arrest expands an investigation that began after police responded to reports of suspicious vehicles near the U.K.-owned RAF Fairford in the early hours of Sept. 27.

Investigators haven’t publicly established the motive behind the incident or confirmed that Iran was involved. Counter Terrorism Policing said it was examining “all possible angles, including possible foreign state involvement.”

The five men arrested near Whelford on Sept. 27 were subsequently released on police bail and remain under investigation. The 27-year-old was detained on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Why Was the UK-Iranian Man Arrested?

Police haven’t publicly disclosed what investigators believe the arrested man’s role was or whether they suspect him of involvement in the activity near RAF Fairford.

Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said, “The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry.”

Evans added that investigators were “looking at all possible angles, including possible foreign state involvement.”

How Did the RAF Fairford Investigation Begin?

Gloucestershire Police said officers received a call at about 12:45 a.m. on Sept. 27 concerning three suspicious vehicles apparently traveling toward RAF Fairford. Armed officers responded and arrested five men in the Whelford area.

The five suspects are British nationals aged 23 to 25. They include a 24-year-old from Camden, three men aged 23, 24 and 25 from Westminster, and another 24-year-old from Willesden, according to Counter Terrorism Policing.

A 400-meter cordon was established around the vehicles, and about 85 households were evacuated as a precaution while specialist teams examined the scene. Gloucestershire Constabulary later said residents were able to return home.

Why Is RAF Fairford Relevant to Iran?

RAF Fairford has been used by U.S. military aircraft for operations involving Iran. The British government authorized the United States to use British bases for defensive operations against Iranian missile capabilities, while the U.S. military has used Fairford for strikes against Iranian targets.

The base’s role has also brought direct threats from Iran. In July, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that British bases used by the U.S. to launch attacks against Iran could be considered legitimate targets.

The background has prompted investigators and officials to examine whether the Fairford incident could have a foreign-state dimension. Iran has denied involvement in the suspected plot.

What Did Trump Say About the Arrests?

President Donald Trump said the suspects had been under surveillance for a “long time,” telling reporters they were “looking to do big damage” to the U.S. Reuters reported that Trump said the arrests followed cooperation between U.S. and British authorities.

British authorities haven’t publicly confirmed Trump’s account of prior surveillance. Counter Terrorism Policing has instead said the initial response followed information received, including a call from a member of the public about suspicious vehicles near the airbase.

Trump also criticized the decision to release the original five suspects on police bail. He said the incident “might be” connected to Iran and indicated he wouldn’t have released the suspects on bail, according to reporting at the time.

The investigation remains active, with Counter Terrorism Policing leading the inquiry alongside Gloucestershire Police and other agencies.

The unresolved issue is whether the Westminster arrest is directly connected to the activity near RAF Fairford or represents a separate investigative lead.