A 25‑year‑old dual UK‑Iranian national was arrested Thursday in Westminster on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, police said. Investigators searched two London properties linked to the case, finding no explosive devices but petrol.
The Fairford probe follows the detention of five British men last weekend, all in their 20s, near three vans parked close to the air base. They were charged with terrorism and explosives offences and released on bail under stringent conditions after petrol was found but no explosives.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were strong indications of an Iranian link, while US President Donald Trump warned of a plan to cause "big damage" at the base. Iran has denied the allegations, summoning the British ambassador in Tehran.
The case remains under investigation, with counter‑terrorism officers examining multiple lines of inquiry, including possible foreign state involvement. The man is held on police bail and is expected to stand trial next month, though no charges have yet been formally filed.