British authorities announced on Tuesday the rearrest of two men suspected of assisting Iran’s intelligence services in connection with a suspected plot at a U.S.-run air base. The suspects, a 24-year-old British citizen and a 25-year-old dual U.K.-Iranian national, were detained under the National Security Act. Both men had previously been arrested and released on bail before being taken back into custody for further questioning.
The investigation centers on a security incident that occurred on Sept. 27 at RAF Fairford in western England. The base has served as a launch point for U.S. bombing missions during an ongoing conflict this year. During the initial response, armed police and military bomb-disposal units moved into the rural area surrounding the base, leading to the evacuation of local residents.
According to police reports, investigators discovered gasoline, which they described as an accelerant, in three vans at the site. No explosives were found during the search. While seven men in total have been arrested in connection with the case, five remain free on bail, and no formal charges have been filed against any of the individuals.
Laurence Taylor, the head of National Counter Terrorism Policing in the U.K., stated that evidence suggests a high likelihood of Iranian state involvement, though the specific nature and intent of that involvement remain under investigation. Iranian officials have previously stated that bases used to launch attacks against Iran are considered legitimate targets. However, the Iranian Embassy in London issued a statement categorically rejecting claims of its involvement, calling the accusations unfounded.
The investigation affects the security protocols and resident safety in the rural communities surrounding RAF Fairford. During the initial Sept. 27 incident, residents were forced to evacuate their homes as bomb-disposal experts and armed officers conducted a search of the area. While no explosives were found, the discovery of gasoline in three vans led to a heightened security posture.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Air Force removed all of its bombers from RAF Fairford following the security incident. This withdrawal affects the strategic role of the base, which had been used for active combat missions. The total number of personnel relocated or the specific cost of moving the bomber fleet was not reported.
The case involves how British authorities utilize the National Security Act to investigate suspected foreign intelligence activities. With two men currently in custody and five others on bail, the legal outcome will depend on the "many lines of enquiry" mentioned by counter-terrorism officials. The investigation remains live, and the next steps involve continued evidence gathering to determine if formal charges will be brought. No specific court dates or deadlines for the conclusion of the investigation were provided.