Iran’s Embassy in London on Monday rejected speculation linking Tehran to the arrest of five men near RAF Fairford in Britain, describing reports of a possible Iranian connection as “fabricated” and warning that it could take legal action over what it called misleading narratives.
The response came as British counter-terrorism police continued investigating an incident near the Gloucestershire airbase, which is used by the US military. Five British nationals in their 20s were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act after suspicious vehicles were reported travelling towards the base.
Iran rejects link
The Iranian Embassy said it “categorically rejects and strongly condemns” what it described as unfounded speculation by some British individuals and media outlets attempting to connect Tehran with the arrests.
It claimed the reports would fuel “Iranophobia propaganda” in Britain, particularly against the backdrop of the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Legal action warning
The embassy also warned that Iran reserved the right to take appropriate legal measures to protect the interests of the country and its citizens against what it described as misleading and damaging media narratives.
Tehran’s statement followed reports that investigators were examining whether the incident had any connection to Iran. British police have not established such a link and have said they are examining multiple lines of inquiry.
Five Britons arrested
Counter Terrorism Policing said all five suspects are British nationals aged between 23 and 25 and live in London. They were arrested early Sunday after three suspicious vehicles were reported near RAF Fairford.
The men were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act before the investigation was expanded to include suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Following extensive questioning, all five were released on bail on Monday under conditions restricting their movement and contact with others.
Motive under investigation
British counter-terrorism officials said the five remain under investigation and stressed that authorities are pursuing several possible lines of inquiry. Officials have acknowledged public speculation surrounding the geopolitical context but cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation establishes a motive.
Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said investigators were considering the case from every possible angle, including whether individuals could have knowingly or unknowingly acted on behalf of a foreign state.
Fairford’s strategic role
RAF Fairford has long served as an important operating location for the United States Air Force in Europe. US military aircraft operating from the base have also been involved in operations connected with the conflict involving Iran.
Iran had previously warned Britain against allowing its military facilities to be used for operations against Iranian territory. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had also warned that bases used for attacks against Iran could be considered targets.
UK cites security threats
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described the Fairford incident as a reminder of the security threats facing the country and said Britain would act against Iranian proxies. He did not, however, publicly attribute the Fairford case to Tehran as the police investigation remained underway.
Security remained heightened around RAF Fairford on Monday as investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the arrests and sought to establish what the suspects intended to do.