A 25-year-old dual U.K.–Iranian national arrested on suspicion of plotting a terror attack tied to a security incident at a U.S.-run military air base in England has been released on bail, authorities said Saturday. He was the sixth person taken into custody and then bailed as detectives continue their investigation, according to the source material adapted from the Associated Press.
Arrest near RAF Fairford and ongoing probe
The man was detained Thursday in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts close to RAF Fairford, which authorities described as used by American bombers. Five other men—unnamed British nationals in their 20s from London—were earlier arrested and then released on bail, police said.
What police say they found
Scores of residents near the base were evacuated early Sunday as armed police and army bomb-disposal experts searched the area, according to police. Investigators later reported finding a quantity of gasoline in three vans linked to the five suspects, but said no explosives were discovered.
Alleged Tehran link, and Iran’s denial
British authorities have linked the incident to Tehran. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the U.K. sees “strong indications” that Iran played a part in the incident, without providing details about what was allegedly planned or why Iran is suspected. Iran has denied involvement. The source material notes that Iran has previously said it considers any base used to attack its territory a legitimate target.
US officials criticize bail decision
Top U.S. officials criticized the move to grant bail, according to the source. President Donald Trump said, “I wouldn’t have done that,” and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said many people were “disturbed” by the decision.
Rising concerns over hostile-state activity
British security services have said Russia and Iran have used proxies to commit crimes on U.K. soil, the source reported. British officials said national security cases involving hostile-state activity, including Iran, rose by 50% in the six months to December 2025. Officials also said proxies linked to Iran were behind arsons and other attacks in Britain and elsewhere, many targeting the Jewish community and intended to sow fear, and warned that Tehran could expand its targets if Middle East conflicts continue.
About RAF Fairford
The base, about 100 miles west of London, has been used by American bombers during decades of Middle East conflicts, including this year’s war with Iran, according to the source material.
Adapted from reporting attributed to the Associated Press; details above reflect claims and statements from authorities and officials cited in the source.
