UK-Iranian dual national released on bail after RAF Fairford investigation

A UK-Iranian dual national aged 25 was arrested in Westminster on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts connected to a security incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Police have completed searches of two properties in the same area.

The incident, declared a major security alert, led to the evacuation of dozens of homes after authorities were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near the US Air Force base. Five other men, all UK nationals in their twenties, were also detained and later released on police bail.

According to reports, one of the detained men called emergency services about an hour before a local farmer reported a large group of masked individuals near the vehicles. The men were initially held on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, before being released on what police described as an "investigative decision" based on experience and strategy.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a Cobra meeting in response to the incident and said there were "strong indications" of Iranian involvement, though no further details were provided.

The Iranian embassy in London issued a statement rejecting the allegations and condemning what it called unfounded speculation linking Iran to the case.

RAF Fairford has long served as a forward operating location for the US Air Force, and recent US bomber flights from the base have been linked to operations in the Middle East following UK approval for defensive strikes against Iran.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a television program that a foreign actor was clearly involved, without offering specific evidence. US President Donald Trump later said he was surprised the five men were released on bail and asserted that the United Kingdom had worked closely with the United States on the matter.