British counter-terrorism police arrested a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in London on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into an incident that occurred on Sunday, Sept. 27, near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The airbase is used by U.S. forces, who have used it to launch missions against Iran.
The investigation began after five British men in their 20s were arrested on Sunday for suspected terrorism and explosives offenses near the base's perimeter. Police were alerted by a local farmer who reported seeing masked men and three white vans, though the Times newspaper reported that one of the suspects called emergency services shortly before the arrests. Detectives confirmed they recovered a quantity of petrol from the vans, though no improvised explosive devices were found.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Wednesday, Sept. 30, that there are "strong indications" Iran played a part in the incident. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said the event "clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor." In response, the Iranian embassy in London denied the allegations, calling them "unfounded and malicious," and the Iranian government summoned the British ambassador in Tehran on Thursday to protest the claims.
The investigation involves the security of British and U.S. military personnel stationed at RAF Fairford. Approximately 85 households in the vicinity were evacuated on Sunday. While these residents have been permitted to return, a police cordon remained in place earlier this week, with checkpoints on rural roads.
Six individuals have been arrested in total: the five men from London arrested Sunday and the 25-year-old dual national arrested Thursday. The first five suspects were released on police bail on Monday, Sept. 28, under what officials described as "stringent conditions." Under British counter-terrorism laws, police can initially detain terror suspects for up to 48 hours without charge and apply for an extension of up to 14 days.
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the decision to release the initial suspects on bail. Vicki Evans, the Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, stated that specialist teams are currently interrogating multiple lines of inquiry. No trial dates have been set.