London: Iran's embassy in London on Monday rejected speculation linking Tehran to five British nationals arrested near RAF Fairford, saying the claims were "unfounded and malicious".
In a statement posted on X, the embassy said it "categorically rejects and strongly condemns" attempts to associate Iran with the arrests and argued that such speculation would fuel what it described as "Iranophobia propaganda" in Britain.
British counter-terrorism police have not established a link to Iran. The five men, all British nationals from London and aged between 23 and 25, were arrested near the Gloucestershire airbase on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act.
The men were arrested after police received a report of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford early on September 27. Officers subsequently examined the vehicles and the surrounding area as part of the investigation.
By Monday, Counter Terrorism Policing said the five men had been released on police bail following extensive interviews and enquiries. They remain under investigation and are subject to conditions on their movement and contact with others.
Why Iran has been mentioned?
The arrests have drawn attention because RAF Fairford is used by the US military and has served as a base for US bomber operations against Iran during the ongoing conflict.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had previously said that British bases used for attacks against Iran could be considered legitimate targets. That background has prompted questions over whether the arrests could have a connection to the conflict.
However, UK police have not publicly attributed the incident to Iran. Counter-terrorism chief Laurence Taylor said investigators were examining multiple lines of inquiry, including whether individuals acting as proxies or on behalf of a foreign state could have been involved.
That possibility remains an investigative line rather than an established finding.
Around 85 households in the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated as police and bomb-disposal teams examined the area. Police later said the scene had been made safe and residents could return.
The investigation remains ongoing.
