LONDON: British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in connection with an investigation into a security incident near RAF Fairford, intensifying a probe in which authorities are examining the possibility of foreign-state involvement.
The latest arrest took place in London as detectives continued investigating events near the military air base in Gloucestershire. A second British man, aged 26, was also questioned under caution, while police carried out searches at two properties in the capital.
The development follows the arrest of five British men in their 20s near RAF Fairford. They were initially detained on suspicion of terrorism and explosives-related offences following a major police operation around the base. All five were subsequently released without charge on police bail and remain under investigation.
The investigation has since expanded to examine whether a foreign state may have played a role. British authorities have not publicly established that Iran was responsible, while Tehran has rejected any involvement.
UK-Iranian national arrested in London
Counter Terrorism Policing said the 27-year-old dual national was arrested in London as part of the wider investigation into the Gloucestershire incident.
A second man, aged 26 and British, was questioned under caution. Police also searched two properties as investigators pursued additional lines of inquiry.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the UK’s security services have “strong indications” of Iranian involvement in the incident at a British Royal Air Force (RAF) station.
So is there evidence Iran played a role? https://t.co/dkbV1EZ4gr pic.twitter.com/DkHxvt3NiR
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) October 1, 2026
Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the investigation into the events in Gloucestershire as “hugely complex”, saying specialist teams were examining multiple lines of inquiry.
Police have said that all possible explanations are being considered, including the possibility of involvement by a foreign state.
The new arrest does not, by itself, establish that the individual has been charged with or convicted of any offence. The investigation remains ongoing.
What happened near RAF Fairford?
The investigation began in the early hours of Sunday after police received information about suspicious activity close to RAF Fairford.
A local farmer alerted authorities after becoming suspicious of three vans and people near the base. A 999 call from one of the suspects was also reported shortly before the arrests.
Police mounted a substantial operation in the area, deploying armed officers and bomb-disposal specialists. Five men were arrested in connection with suspected terrorism and explosives offences.
A security cordon was established around the area, while nearby residents were temporarily evacuated as a precaution. Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said the response was deliberately cautious because officers had to account for the possibility of a serious threat.
BREAKING: UK counterterrorism police arrest a sixth man, a dual British-Iranian national, over the suspected RAF Fairford plot; he is accused of preparing terrorist acts. pic.twitter.com/zhBMZKaIz4
— Scope Report (@ScopeReport_) October 1, 2026
The five men were later released without charge but remain on police bail while detectives continue their investigation.
Petrol found in vans, but no explosive device
Investigators examining the vehicles associated with the five men found petrol in the vans.
However, police have confirmed that no improvised explosive device was discovered.
The distinction is important because the initial police response was driven by concerns about a potential explosives-related threat. The absence of an explosive device does not, however, mean that investigators have concluded that no offence was being planned; the circumstances and intended purpose of the activity remain under investigation.
Why RAF Fairford is significant
RAF Fairford has become particularly significant amid the current confrontation between the United States and Iran.
The base has been used by the US military for bomber operations, including missions connected to the conflict with Iran. The British government has also confirmed that it authorised US use of RAF Fairford for specific defensive operations against Iranian threats. A UK government statement said the first US bomber arrived at Fairford following the approval.
The strategic importance of the facility has therefore heightened concerns surrounding any suspicious activity in its vicinity.
Following Sunday’s incident, security measures were increased around US-linked military sites in Britain. Reuters reported that authorities were investigating several possible explanations, including potential involvement by Iran, Russia or Islamist actors, rather than having publicly established a single motive.
Possible Iran link under investigation
British authorities have been examining whether the Fairford incident could have a connection to Iran.
US officials have also publicly raised the possibility of foreign involvement. However, the available evidence has not publicly established that Tehran ordered or directed the activity.
Iran has denied involvement and rejected suggestions linking it to the arrests. Tehran’s embassy in London described the allegations as unfounded, while Iranian authorities subsequently summoned the British ambassador in Tehran to protest over the claims.
The British investigation is therefore continuing without a publicly confirmed conclusion about who, if anyone, may have been behind the incident.
Investigation remains ongoing
The arrest of the dual UK-Iranian national represents a significant new development in the investigation, but British police continue to treat the case as an active inquiry.
Counter-terrorism investigators are examining the activities of the men arrested near Fairford, the three vans, the petrol found inside them and the circumstances surrounding their presence near the base. They are also investigating the newly arrested London suspect and the possible involvement of individuals or organisations outside Britain.
Police have stressed that investigators are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including possible foreign-state involvement.
The five men arrested near RAF Fairford remain on police bail without charge, while the 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national has now been arrested as detectives seek to establish whether the separate elements of the investigation are connected.
