Two re-arrested in Iran spy plot against US base in UK

The British investigation into suspected Iranian activity targeting Royal Air Force base Fairford has taken a new turn: two men previously arrested in the case were re-arrested Tuesday on suspicion of assisting Iran's foreign intelligence service, Britain's Counter Terrorism Policing announced.

According to the police statement, one suspect is a 24-year-old British citizen, and the other is 25 years old, holding both British and Iranian citizenship. Both are suspected of offenses under Britain's National Security Act relating to assisting a foreign intelligence service.

Lawrence Taylor, a senior counter-terrorism police official, said seven men have been arrested so far in the investigation. Two were re-arrested following further investigative work, while the other five were released on bail.

Taylor emphasized the investigation remains active, adding that the police assessment stands: there is a high likelihood of Iranian state involvement in the case. The suspects' names have not been released.

Suspected terror plot near bomber base

The case came to light in late September, when British authorities announced the initial arrest of five men on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism and explosives-related offenses near Fairford base.

The British base has for years hosted the US Air Force, including B-1 strategic bombers stationed there. Following the incident, police and military bomb disposal units were called to the scene, and residents of nearby homes were evacuated over safety concerns.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said earlier this month that the suspected plot against the base was almost certainly directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Tehran strongly denied the allegations.

US President Donald Trump also addressed the earlier arrests and praised cooperation between Washington and London. According to Trump, the suspects planned to cause significant damage to the base. Sources familiar with details said American intelligence officials had tracked Iranian planning to target US assets at the site for weeks before the arrests.

Rockwell B-1 Lancer strategic bomber in the Middle East / Photo: CENTCOM (Photo: CENTCOM)

Residents alerted police — and the bombers were moved

Local residents also helped expose the suspicious activity. A local woman, who asked to remain anonymous, told CNN she called police after seeing three vans and eight to ten masked men blocking the driveway to her home.

British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting thanked her for the emergency call but noted the information she saw was partial and did not provide further details.

Days after the initial arrests, the United States moved all its long-range bombers from Fairford base, following a threat that was not publicly detailed. Trump and Vice President JD Vance hinted the move was meant to address a possible threat to American assets.

Trump said the bombers did not leave the base by chance, explaining that following threats, the decision was made to move them to avoid unnecessary risk. Vance described the decision as a precautionary step but declined to specify the exact concerns that led to it.