UK counter-terrorism police are investigating potential Iranian involvement in a suspected bomb threat near RAF Fairford, an airbase in southwest England used by the United States military. The investigation follows an incident on Sunday, September 27, 2026, which led to the arrest of at least five men.
Police were deployed to the base in the early hours of Sunday after receiving reports of “suspicious vehicles appearing to move toward the airbase,” according to reports from AFP. The five suspects remain in custody on allegations of “preparing a terrorist act” and charges related to explosives, though their identities have not been made public.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
Military bomb disposal teams were deployed to inspect three large white vans stopped on a local rural road. Video footage showed a bomb disposal robot operating around the vehicles, two of which had their rear doors open.
The security operation resulted in the evacuation of at least 85 families from the nearby village of Whelford while the inspection took place.
Investigation of Potential Motives
While UK authorities have not officially confirmed the nature or source of the threat, a source familiar with the investigation told Reuters that an Iran-related motive is considered the most likely possibility. Investigators are also looking into the possibility of Russian sabotage or plans by Islamist groups.
UK Defense Minister Wes Streeting declined to speculate on Iranian involvement, stating that it would be “irresponsible” to do so and noting that the on-site investigation is ongoing.
Response from US President
US President Donald Trump stated that the individuals arrested intended to cause “severe damage” to the British base, which houses US military aircraft, including bombers. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Chicago, Trump said, “We have been monitoring them for a long time, and finally we managed to catch them.”
When asked about the suspects and a potential link to Iran, Trump remarked, “we know everything about them,” adding, “You will hear it soon. We have caught them.” He further noted that cooperation with British authorities has been “very good.”