Five British nationals in their early twenties from London were arrested on Monday after a farmer reported three white vans and masked men near RAF Fairford. They were released on police bail, but investigators remain wary of any wider threat.
Marco Rubio, speaking on Monday, said a foreign actor was clearly involved, stopping short of naming a state. Donald Trump echoed uncertainty, saying, "It might" be Iran, without elaboration.
The Iranian embassy in London rejected any involvement, calling the allegations "unfounded and malicious" and warned that the claims could fuel Iranophobia propaganda.
RAF Fairford has hosted US bomber operations against Iran, and the base has been flagged as a legitimate target by Tehran’s Revolutionary Guards. British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband have warned of threats from Iranian proxies.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said investigators are exploring multiple lines of enquiry, including the possibility of foreign proxies. The five men remain under strict conditions, and the investigation will continue with further court proceedings.
Local residents were evacuated from 85 homes, and a 400‑metre cordon was imposed while bomb disposal teams and forensic experts examined the vans, none of which were found to contain viable explosives.