British Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed on October 12, 2026, that a suspected plot targeting the RAF Fairford airbase was likely coordinated in Iran and directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The incident involved the arrest of five British men and a British-Iranian national, with no explosive found in seized vans.
Burnham stated the plot was 'highly likely' to have been coordinated in Iran and 'almost certainly' directed by the IRGC. The incident follows a recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to remove U.S. bombers from the base due to a threat linked to Iran. Iran has denied involvement, calling the claims 'unfounded and malicious speculations'
British authorities have accused Iran of being involved in multiple plots in the UK, including attacks on Jewish and Israeli communities. The UK has used new powers to ban support for the IRGC and linked groups, with two Iranian nationals sanctioned. The UK will continue to impose sanctions to restrict Iran's capacity to threaten its citizens.
Iran has denied any involvement in the Fairford incident, asserting that the UK's claims are based on 'unfounded and malicious speculations' and urging the UK to provide evidence if it has documents supporting its allegations.