BREAKING

British-Iranian held in RAF base plot

UK counterterror police arrest 27-year-old dual national suspected of involvement in planning the attempted attack on Fairford air base, where US strategic bombers are stationed

Eliana Fleming

OCT 1, 2026 20:50

2 min read

Britain's counterterrorism police announced Thursday evening that they have arrested a 27-year-old man holding dual British and Iranian citizenship, suspected of involvement in planning the attempted attack on Royal Air Force base Fairford that was thwarted earlier this week.

According to the police statement, the suspect was detained in the Westminster district of London and is being questioned on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism. A second British citizen, described as a 26-year-old man, was also questioned under caution as part of the investigation into the incident.

The attempted attack took place this past Sunday, when a cell of five suspects allegedly tried to infiltrate RAF Fairford, which serves as part of the strategic arm of the United States Air Force. The base houses American B-1 supersonic bombers, which have been used in US strikes on Iran.

The unusual attack attempt was foiled after civilians in the area noticed the suspects' suspicious movements in commercial vehicles, which were later found to be loaded with explosives, and quickly alerted police, leading to their arrest. However, a day later, a local magistrates' court ordered all five detainees released on bail.

Last night, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham claimed that "there are prominent indications that Iran took part in the act." According to him, the progress of the investigation into the attack points clearly to responsibility and a connection to the Iranian regime.