UK Says Iran Had Role in RAF Fairford Terror Plot, Iran Denies Involvement
The UK government claims there are strong indications of Iranian involvement in a security incident at RAF Fairford involving five men arrested for terror-related suspicions. Iran has denied these allegations as the investigation continues.
Why it matters
The incident involves potential state-sponsored terrorism and highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions between the West and Iran.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham says the U.K. has "strong indications" that Iran played a part in the incident that saw five men arrested near a U.S.-run air base in England late at night.Burnham told British broadcasters on Wednesday that British and American officials are carrying out a "complex and serious" investigation into how five men and three vans came to be near the perimeter of RAF Fairford.Five British men in their 20s were arrested Sunday on suspicion of explosives offenses and planning an act of terror, before being released on bail a day later. Police say they found a quantity of an accelerant - gasoline - in the vans, but no explosives.Burnham did not provide details about what the suspects were planning or why the U.K. thinks Iran was involved.
Also covering this story
9 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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