Iran’s Revolutionary Guards ‘almost certainly’ behind RAF Fairford threats, says Burnham

Andy Burnham told MPs that the UK believes the threats linked to RAF Fairford were highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by its Revolutionary Guards. His comments are the strongest public attribution so far.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband had summoned Iran’s ambassador. The government has also sanctioned two people accused of spying in Europe and the United States.

The incident took place late last month, when five men from London drove to Whelford, near a base used by the US air force. Police released them on bail the following day after finding no explosives.

The government has not explained what it believes happened. Some experts have suggested the incident may have been intended to show that a relatively accessible site could be targeted. British sources have said Iran lacks the ability to carry out a complex drone attack, while the episode has raised US concerns about security at its European bases.

Prosecutors have separately alleged that two people received directions and explosive-preparation instructions from a third party believed to be in Iran. A trial is scheduled at the Old Bailey, and the UK plans further sanctions against Tehran and the Revolutionary Guards.