UK Arrests Iranian-British Citizen in Terror Plot Near US Air Base

British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian citizen in London as part of an investigation into a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford, a US Air Force bomber base in Gloucestershire. He is the sixth suspect detained in connection with the incident, which occurred near the base from which US bombers have launched strikes in Iran. Police are investigating the potential involvement of a foreign state in the plot. The arrest took place in Westminster, and authorities searched two properties. A 26-year-old British man is also being questioned under caution.

The investigation is described as highly complex, with authorities exploring multiple leads, including state involvement. The incident began when local authorities were alerted to three commercial vehicles blocking a road near the base, with a group of masked men present. However, it was later revealed that one of the suspects had contacted the police himself shortly before the report. Five other 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 US President Donald Trump. British police defended the decision as a strategic investigative move based on experience. The arrest of the individual with Iranian ties strengthens suspicions of Iranian involvement, which have been voiced by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Tehran has vehemently denied any involvement, calling the accusations baseless.

RAF Fairford is considered a sensitive military installation and has served as a forward base for the US Air Force in Europe. In recent months, US strategic bombers have departed from the base for operations against Iranian targets in the Middle East, a move that Tehran has reportedly deemed a "legitimate target." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel provided intelligence to London that helped thwart the attack, while also criticizing the British government for imposing sanctions on Israel shortly thereafter.