Iranian-British Citizen Arrested in UK Over Terror Plot Near US Base

British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian citizen in London on suspicion of preparing acts of terror. The arrest is the sixth in connection with an incident near RAF Fairford, a base from which U.S. bombers have launched strikes in Iran. The suspect was apprehended in Westminster, and police searched two properties. A 26-year-old British man is also being questioned under caution.

British police described the investigation as complex, exploring multiple leads, including the possibility of state involvement. Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator of the Counter Terrorism Unit, stated, "The investigation surrounding the events in Gloucestershire is extremely complex, and our expert teams are examining multiple lines of inquiry. As we have made clear, we are exploring all possible angles, including the involvement of a foreign state."

The incident began when local authorities were alerted to three commercial vehicles blocking a road near the base, with a group of men wearing masks. However, it was later revealed that one of the suspects had called the police about an hour earlier. Five British men, aged 23 to 25, were initially arrested at the scene. While no explosives were found, a large quantity of fuel was seized.

The initial five suspects were released on bail with restrictive conditions, a decision that drew criticism, including from U.S. President Donald Trump. British police defended the move as a strategic investigative decision based on experience.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Israel provided intelligence to London that helped thwart the operation, stating, "We gave the British the intelligence that an attack under Iranian auspices was about to occur." He also criticized the British government for imposing sanctions on Israel shortly thereafter. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham had previously told the BBC there were "strong indications that Iran played a role in what happened at Fairford." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented that a "foreign hand is clearly involved." Tehran has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them "malicious and baseless speculations."

RAF Fairford is considered a sensitive military installation and has served as a forward base for the U.S. Air Force in Europe. In recent months, U.S. strategic bombers have departed from the base for operations against Iranian targets in the Middle East, a move that Tehran has deemed a "legitimate target."