British authorities are probing a suspected terror plot at RAF Fairford, a base in western England that hosts U.S. forces and B-1 bombers, following the arrest of five men on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offenses. The investigation is exploring a potential link to Iran, which has previously warned that any base used for U.S. strikes against Iranian missile sites would be considered a legitimate target. Iranian ambassador Seyed Ali Mousavi had earlier stated that allowing U.S. bombers to launch from Fairford was an "important matter for our self-defense."
Police arrested the five men on Sunday near RAF Fairford after a tip-off about three large white vans heading towards the military airfield. The base has been utilized by the U.S. Air Force for operations from Europe and for American strikes on Iranian missile sites. While British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting refrained from speculating on Iranian involvement, he acknowledged that Iran and its proxies are known to threaten UK interests and allies. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that the suspects had been under investigation by both British and U.S. authorities and had intended to cause "big damage."
The incident prompted a security alert from the U.S. Embassy, advising U.S. citizens to exercise caution as "US-associated facilities, gatherings, and organizations may be at heightened risk." In Fairford, a 400-meter cordon was established around the base, and residents from 85 homes were evacuated. A bomb disposal robot was seen operating around the three white vans, and security measures, including armed police and blocked access points, were intensified around the base.
