Iran claims remain unsubstantiated as five men bailed in RAF station probe
Andy Burnham cited “strong indications” of Iranian involvement, but officials have not disclosed supporting details. Police say they found petrol but no explosives in vehicles near the base.
Five British men arrested over suspicious activity near an RAF station close to Fairford have been released on bail while counter-terrorism police continue their investigation. They were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act.
Police said they found no explosives in vehicles parked near the base, but recovered a quantity of petrol. The men remain subject to stringent conditions on their movements and contact with others.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said security services had “strong indications” of Iranian involvement. US and Israeli officials have also raised the possibility of an Iranian link, but none has set out supporting details publicly.
Iran has denied involvement. Its embassy in London rejected attempts to link the country to the suspects, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Britain was “barking up the wrong tree”.
The men’s intentions and the basis for the Iran hypothesis remain unclear. Police are examining whether the activity involved surveillance, a test of security, a message to the British government or individuals acting unknowingly on behalf of a foreign state.
The head of counter-terrorism policing described the bail decision as an investigative decision. It does not establish guilt or resolve whether a foreign state was involved.
