Three white vans were spotted heading toward RAF Fairford in the early hours of Sunday, a US‑run airbase 160 kilometres west of London, and a local resident reported masked men blocking a road in the adjacent village—no explosives were found, but a quantity of petrol was seized—
The five men, all in their twenties, were taken into custody on suspicion of explosives offences and planning an act of terrorism; they were released on bail after a brief investigation, a move that drew criticism from US officials, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the decision was "disturbing"—
Prime Minister Burnham told the BBC that strong indications point to Iranian involvement, a claim that Iran’s embassy in London has categorically denied and condemned—
Counter‑terrorism chief Laurence Taylor said the suspects remain under investigation, with authorities probing whether the alleged offences were carried out by proxies or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state—
RAF Fairford’s role as a launchpad for American bombers in Middle Eastern conflicts, including the current war with Iran, has made it a focal point for Tehran’s objections; the base’s use by the United States has been a source of tension in the Gloucestershire area—
The investigation remains ongoing, with UK and US security services working closely; Burnham said a further briefing will be provided "in due course" as evidence continues to surface.