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UK Sanctions Iran Over Suspected Plot Near Air Base; Allies Back Findings
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on Monday, October 12, 2026, that a foiled terror plot targeting the RAF Fairford airbase in southwest England last month was almost certainly directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Burnham stated in Parliament that the plot was highly likely coordinated in Iran, linking it to the regime's use of criminal networks to target Jewish communities, Iranian journalists, and U.S. interests.
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What happened
- 01British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that a foiled terror plot at RAF Fairford was almost certainly directed by Iran's IRGC.
- 02Five British men were arrested near the airbase on September 27 on suspicion of terrorism but were later released on bail.
- 03U.S. officials confirmed the suspected Iranian plot was intended to target the airbase using an unmanned aerial vehicle.
- 04Iranian agents targeted Jewish communities, Iranian journalists, and U.S. interests in the UK using criminal networks.
- 05Police found gasoline but no operational explosives inside the commercial vehicles seized near the military base.
- 06Iran denied any involvement in the suspected plot, describing the accusations as baseless and malicious speculation.
- 07Prime Minister Burnham vowed to impose additional sanctions on Iran and the IRGC to hinder their capabilities.
- 08The UK will continue providing air-to-air refueling support for Saudi Arabia's military campaign against Houthi terrorists in Yemen.
The plot was uncovered on September 27 when police arrested five British men in commercial vehicles near the airbase on suspicion of terrorism and sabotage. While investigators found gasoline in the seized vans, no operational explosives were discovered, and all five suspects were later released on bail under strict conditions. Two additional men, including a dual British-Iranian national, were also arrested and subsequently released.
According to Israel Hayom, U.S. officials confirmed the plot involved a planned drone attack against the base, which has been used by American bombers for strikes against Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously linked an Iranian threat to the withdrawal of aircraft from the base. Iran has denied any involvement in the incident, calling the allegations baseless and malicious speculation.
In response to the threat, Burnham vowed to impose further sanctions on Iran and the IRGC. He also affirmed that the UK will continue providing air-to-air refueling support to Saudi Arabia's campaign against the Iran-aligned Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen. Nearly 30 countries issued a joint statement condemning Iran's hostile activities and hybrid warfare tactics.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
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UK Sanctions Iran Over Suspected Plot Near Air Base; Allies Back Findings
