Dual UK-Iranian national released on bail over suspected plot against U.S.-run military base
A 25-year-old dual British-Iranian citizen arrested in London over an alleged terror plot near RAF Fairford has been released on bail, police said Saturday. He is the sixth person detained in the investigation.
The five other suspects are British men in their twenties from London. Police have not identified them. Residents near the Gloucestershire air base were evacuated during an earlier security operation.
Investigators reported finding gasoline in three vans associated with the five men, but no explosives. Authorities have not publicly described what the suspects may have intended to do.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were strong signs Iran had a role, without explaining the basis for that assessment. Iran has rejected any connection and has said bases used to attack it can be considered legitimate targets.
The case has drawn criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the suspects’ release on bail. Police inquiries continue amid broader British concerns about hostile states using intermediaries to carry out attacks.
Key points
- Six suspects, including a dual British-Iranian man, have been released on bail.
- Police found gasoline in vans linked to five suspects but reported no explosives.
- Britain suspects Iranian involvement; Tehran denies it, and the investigation continues.