UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed a suspected plot to attack the U.S.-run RAF Fairford air base in England was 'almost certainly' directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard. The incident, which involved the arrest of seven men and the discovery of gasoline in their vehicles, has led to increased security measures and sanctions against Iranian officials.
Burnham stated the plot was 'highly likely' coordinated in Iran and 'almost certainly' directed by the Revolutionary Guard. The UK has summoned the Iranian ambassador and added two Iranians to its sanctions list, accusing them of conducting espionage and attacks on behalf of the Iranian government. The U.S. has also pulled its bombers from the base due to 'new threats'
The UK and 28 other countries condemned Iran's use of proxies to conduct hostile activities, stating the Fairford incident highlights the continued threat of hybrid attacks. British officials said the number of national security cases involving hostile states increased by 50% in the six months to December 2025, underscoring the ongoing concern over Iranian influence through criminal networks
Iran has denied any involvement in the incident, with its ambassador to Britain stating Tehran has 'no involvement' and urging the UK to provide evidence. The UK has not yet released any documents or evidence to support its claims, leaving the matter unresolved.