Iran has denied any involvement in a suspected terrorist plot targeting RAF Fairford, a British airbase in Gloucestershire that hosts US military aircraft involved in operations against Iran.
Iran’s embassy in London rejected what it described as “unfounded and malicious speculation” linking Tehran to the incident, warning that such accusations could fuel what it called anti-Iran propaganda in Britain.
Five British nationals aged between 23 and 25 were arrested near the base on Sunday on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. British counterterrorism police said they were later released on bail following extensive interviews and inquiries.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said Britain must be prepared to confront security threats facing the country and Europe, adding that the government would “act against the proxies of Iran.”
However, British police have not publicly linked the suspects to Iran. Investigators said they were pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including possible offences under the Explosives Act and the preparation of a terrorist act.
A source familiar with the investigation previously said an Iranian-linked motive was considered among the leading possibilities, while Russian sabotage and an Islamist plot were also being examined.
The Fairford base has been used by US military aircraft during the conflict with Iran. The British government had authorised the United States to use bombers stationed at the base to strike Iranian missile sites involved in attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had previously described the Fairford base as a legitimate target.
Iran’s embassy said Tehran reserved the right to take appropriate legal measures over what it called the allegations against Iran.
The investigation remains ongoing, with British authorities continuing to impose strict conditions on the five suspects following their release on bail.
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