Dual UK‑Iranian national released on bail after suspected RAF Fairford plot
The man was the sixth suspect detained in the investigation linked to Tehran, and was freed while police continue inquiries.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A 25‑year‑old dual UK‑Iranian national was released on bail on Saturday, after being arrested on Thursday on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near RAF Fairford, a U.S.–run military air base in England.
What happened
Police arrested the man on Thursday in London, describing the suspicion as preparation of terrorist acts close to RAF Fairford, which has been used by American bombers to strike Iran. He became the sixth person taken into custody in the wider investigation that began after a security incident involving three vans near the base. The following day, detectives released him on bail while the probe continued.
What the reports add
The Associated Press, cited by the Winnipeg Free Press, noted the arrest and bail but gave no further detail on the other suspects. The Independent added that the five other men, all British nationals in their 20s from London, were linked to three vans that contained gasoline but no explosives. It also reported that scores of residents were evacuated from homes near the base on Sunday and that Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK sees “strong indications” of Iranian involvement, while Iran denied any role.
What was said
Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the Independent that the United Kingdom sees “strong indications” that Iran played a part in the incident, though he did not disclose specifics about the suspects’ plans. Iranian officials, as reported by the Independent, denied involvement in the plot.
How it came about
The latest bail release follows a series of arrests near RAF Fairford that began on 27 September, when five men were detained after a resident reported suspicious vans. Felo’s earlier coverage documented the initial arrests, the evacuation of 85 homes, and the subsequent release of those five suspects on bail (All five RAF Fairford suspects released on bail, analysts say evidence thin). Those reports noted that the vans contained only petrol and that a bomb‑disposal robot had inspected them. The current case adds a sixth suspect, a dual national, to the ongoing investigation.
Key facts
- A 25‑year‑old dual UK‑Iranian national was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts near RAF Fairford. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- He was released on bail on Saturday while detectives continue the investigation. (independent.co.uk)
- Five other men, all British nationals in their 20s from London, were also detained in the same probe. (independent.co.uk)
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK sees strong indications of Iranian involvement. (independent.co.uk)
- Iran denied any involvement in the suspected plot. (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-09-27 — Five men arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act involving three vans.
- 2026-09-29 — All five suspects released on bail, analysts comment on thin evidence.
- 2026-09-30 — One suspect called emergency services before arrest; all five released roughly 38 hours after arrest.
- 2026-10-03 — Sixth suspect, a dual UK‑Iranian national, arrested and released on bail.
