UK Counter-Terror Police Probe Possible Iran Link After Five Arrested Near RAF Fairford

By bellecarter // 2026-09-30

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British counter-terrorism police are investigating whether Iran was behind a suspected bomb plot targeting RAF Fairford, a U.S. Air Force base in Gloucestershire, after five men were arrested early Sunday, according to officials briefed on the inquiry. Police received a call at about 12:45 a.m. reporting three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the base. Armed officers responded and arrested the men in the nearby Whelford area, officials said. The men were detained under the Explosives Act and on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, according to Gloucestershire Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone ^[1]. RAF Fairford is a key U.S. Air Force outpost in Europe and has been used by American aircraft to carry out defensive strikes on Iran, the report stated ^[1]. The base was placed on "Delta" alert, the highest threat level, according to the national news agency Press Association, now known as PA Media ^[2]. The investigation is being led by counter-terrorism police, who are examining several possible motives. An Iran-linked motive is currently considered most likely, sources said. The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between Tehran and Western powers over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East ^[3].

Arrests, Evacuation and Bomb-Disposal Operation

Army bomb-disposal specialists examined the vehicles after the arrests. Aerial footage showed a robot moving between three white vans, two with rear doors open, and large black items nearby, according to reports ^[1]. About 85 homes were evacuated around 1:30 a.m., with residents sent to Cirencester Leisure Centre, police said ^[1]. Gloucestershire Constabulary declared a major incident and widened a cordon to Kempsford. Armed officers set up road blocks, a spokesman said ^[3]. One van had "FUEL 2YOU" written on its side and a phone number that appeared to be one digit short. A company with a similar name said the van had no relation to it, according to the report ^[1]. The bomb-disposal operation continued for several hours as specialists worked to determine whether the vehicles contained explosive materials. Police said the incident is contained and investigations are ongoing ^[3].

Possible Motives Under Examination

Police are examining several possible motives, including a Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist plot, but an Iran-linked motive is currently considered most likely, sources said ^[3]. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened in July to attack RAF Fairford and said any base used for aggression against Iranian territory is a legitimate target, according to the report ^[4]. The Government has allowed U.S. planes based at RAF Fairford to carry out defensive strikes on Iranian sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, officials said ^[4]. Sources suggested that if Tehran were linked, it was more likely to have used its own operatives rather than criminal proxies, as it has for previous incidents ^[3]. The IRGC warned on May 20 that any new U.S. military strike on the country would expand the war beyond the Middle East. According to a statement carried by the semi-official Mehr News Agency, the IRGC said: "If the aggression against Iran is repeated, the promised regional war will this time extend beyond the region" ^[5]. Analysts have noted that Iran has previously threatened to unleash sabotage and terrorism operations across the United States in response to military pressure ^[6].

Official Responses and Security Measures

President Donald Trump said the arrested men were "looking to do big damage" and praised UK-US cooperation, telling reporters: "We had them under view for a long time, and we got them" ^[3]. Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, is receiving updates; he thanked residents who left their homes and said the safety and security of the public is the first priority, according to a post on X ^[1]. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting thanked emergency crews for their "swift" response and said emergency teams and Armed Forces are on standby 24/7 ^[3]. A U.S. Air Force spokesman said the 501st Combat Support Wing and UK-based wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure safety and security ^[2]. The U.S. Stealth Bomber Base in the UK was placed on "Delta" alert, the highest threat level, following the arrests. The base is a regular host of strategic assets, including bombers and U-2 spy planes, and acts as a pit stop for other aircraft, including fighters ^[2]^[3].

References

RT. "UK police arrest five men amid bomb alert outside US air base". RT.com. September 27, 2026.
ZeroHedge. "US Stealth Bomber Base In UK On 'Delta' Alert As Counter-Terror Police Make Arrests, Deploy Bomb Squad Search Of Vans". ZeroHedge.com. September 27, 2026.
The War Zone. "British Police Arrest Men Driving Toward U.S. Bomber Base In The U.K. With Suspected Explosives". TWZ.com. September 27, 2026.
Middle East Eye. "Starmer insists 'this is not our war' as Iran weighs up attacking UK bases". MiddleEastEye.net. April 1, 2026.
Garrison Vance. "Iran Warns of Wider Conflict If U.S. Launches New Attack". NaturalNews.com. May 21, 2026.
Mike Adams. "Health Ranger Report - SABOTAGE TERRORISM". Brighteon.com. June 13, 2025.

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