5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act
Two British men have been charged with national security offenses in connection with an alleged Iran-linked terror plot targeting RAF Fairford, a UK air base used by US B-1 bombers during operations against Iran. The charges follow a series of arrests made in September and October 2026. The investigation is focused on a security incident at the airbase.
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- ✓ Two men were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act on September 27, 2026.
- ✓ Two men, aged 24 and 25, were re-arrested on October 20, 2026, on suspicion of assisting Iran's intelligence.
- ✓ The two men charged are British nationals.
- ✓ The charges are related to national security offenses.
What changed
Two men were formally charged with national security offenses related to the alleged Iran-linked terror plot.
Live updates
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UK charges 2 men in Iran-linked terror plot at RAF Fairford
Two British men have been charged with national security offenses in connection with an alleged Iran-linked terror plot targeting RAF Fairford, a UK air base used by US B-1 bombers during operations against Iran. The charges follow a series of arrests made in September and October 2026. The investigation is focused on a security incident at the airbase.
Why it matters
The arrests and charges are part of an ongoing investigation into a security incident at RAF Fairford, which is used by US military forces. The base's involvement in operations against Iran makes it a sensitive target. The incident has raised concerns about potential threats to UK military installations and the security of US-UK cooperation.
What is confirmed
- Two men were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act on September 27, 2026.
- Two men, aged 24 and 25, were re-arrested on October 20, 2026, on suspicion of assisting Iran's intelligence.
- The two men charged are British nationals.
- The charges are related to national security offenses.
- RAF Fairford is used by US B-1 bombers during operations against Iran.
What to watch next
- Further charges or arrests in connection with the alleged terror plot
- Details of the specific security incident at RAF Fairford
- The outcome of the investigation into potential Iranian involvement
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.cbsnews.com — U.K. charges 2 men arrested over alleged Iran-linked terror plot against RAF Fairford air base used by U.S.
- www.stripes.com — Two men charged in suspected terrorism plot at UK air base ...
- www.thenationalnews.com — Two men charged over suspected RAF Fairford airbase terror plot
- www.yahoo.com — Netanyahu accuses Arab parties of ‘stealing’ election
- www.ctvnews.ca — 2 men charged over incident at U.S.-run military base in England
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UK police arrest 5 men near RAF Fairford airbase used by US in Iran war
Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on September 27, 2026, on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Two men, aged 24 and 25, were re-arrested on October 20, 2026, on suspicion of assisting Iran's intelligence. The arrests are part of an investigation into a security incident at the airbase used by US B-1 bombers during operations against Iran.
Why it matters
The investigation is focused on a security incident at RAF Fairford, an English airbase used by US B-1 bombers during operations against Iran. The airbase's involvement in military operations against Iran makes it a potential target for retaliation or disruption. The UK's Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation. The incident has raised concerns about potential Iranian involvement in plots targeting British military bases.
What is confirmed
- Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford on September 27, 2026.
- Two men, aged 24 and 25, were re-arrested on October 20, 2026, on suspicion of assisting Iran's intelligence.
- The head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing considers Iranian state involvement "highly likely".
Still unconfirmed
- Iran denies allegations of involvement in a plot targeting RAF Fairford.
What to watch next
- Further arrests or charges in the investigation
- Official statements from Iranian authorities regarding the allegations
- Details of the specific security incident at RAF Fairford on September 27, 2026
confidence 93%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.counterterrorism.police.uk — Man bailed in RAF Fairford investigation | Counter Terrorism ...
- www.theguardian.com — Two men re-arrested on suspicion of aiding Iran over RAF ...
- www.ynetnews.com — UK police suspect Iranian intelligence role in plot targeting ...
- www.stripes.com — 2 suspects rearrested in RAF Fairford plot with Iran ties ...
- www.yahoo.com — Two re-arrested on suspicion of assisting Iran intelligence ...
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UK police re-arrest two men near US air base on Iran war ops
British counter-terrorism police have re-arrested two men on suspicion of assisting Iran's intelligence, amid an investigation into a security incident at RAF Fairford, an English air base used by US B-1 bombers during operations against Iran. The two men, a 24-year-old British national and a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national, were initially arrested earlier this year. Five other UK nationals remain under investigation.
Why it matters
The security breach at RAF Fairford prompted the US to remove its bomber fleet from the base. The incident began when suspicious vans approached the facility. The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into potential terrorist threats.
What is confirmed
- Five UK nationals remain under investigation following a security incident at RAF Fairford.
- The US removed its bomber fleet from RAF Fairford after a security breach.
- A 24-year-old British national and a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national were re-arrested on suspicion of assisting Iran's intelligence.
What to watch next
- Further arrests in connection with the RAF Fairford security incident
- Charges brought against the suspects
- Details of the alleged terrorist plot to be disclosed
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (4)
- rohangunaratna.substack.com — MI5’s Annual Threat Update indicates new era of threats
- www.cnn.com — Two men rearrested on suspicion of assisting Iran’s ... - CNN
- www.cbsnews.com — 2 men rearrested on suspicion of spying for Iran over ...
- www.aljazeera.com — UK police re-arrest two men on suspicion of assisting Iran’s ...
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Seven Arrested After Suspected Iranian Plot at RAF Fairford
British counter-terrorism police have arrested seven suspects after a foiled terror plot targeting RAF Fairford, an English air base used by the United States during operations against Iran. Five UK nationals remain under investigation following the incident, which began when suspicious vans approached the facility. Police released six of the detained individuals on bail while keeping a seventh suspect in custody. The security breach prompted the United States to remove its bomber fleet from the base.
Why it matters
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the security incident was almost certainly directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The investigation follows a period of heightened geopolitical tension that includes President Donald Trump rejecting an Iranian proposal to end the war. Authorities evacuated 85 homes near the air base during the initial emergency response.
What is confirmed
- British counter-terrorism police arrested seven suspects following a foiled terror plot targeting RAF Fairford.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated the security incident was almost certainly directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
- Five UK nationals remain under investigation in connection with the incident.
Still unconfirmed
- One of the arrested men called emergency services before a farmer spotted masked men near the facility.
- Eighty-five homes were evacuated near the air base during the security response.
What to watch next
- Decisions regarding formal criminal charges for the remaining suspects in custody
- Further updates from British counter-terrorism police on the extent of the alleged Iranian direction
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.wionews.com — RAF Fairford incident: One arrested man called emergency services number before farmer raised alarm with ....
- www.ocregister.com — Suspected plot at US-run air base almost certainly directed by Iran, UK prime minister says
- www.poolre.co.uk — October 2026 Terrorism Incident & Threat Update | Pool Re
- www.wionews.com — ‘Terror suspects arrested near UK air base were looking to do ...
- www.neigram.com — UK Police Thwart Suspected Terrorist Attack Targeting RAF ...
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British Police Make Seventh Arrest in RAF Fairford Terror Plot
British counter-terrorism police detained a seventh suspect in connection with a security incident at RAF Fairford, an English air base utilized by the United States. Authorities arrested a 22-year-old man in London on suspicion of committing a terror offense. The ongoing investigation stems from an initial event where five men were taken into custody after suspicious vans approached the facility. Police have released six of the detained individuals on bail. The United States has removed its bomber fleet from the base following the security threat.
Why it matters
The security incident at RAF Fairford, located 90 miles west of London, has drawn intense scrutiny amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran. Prime Minister and allied leaders condemned Iran, stating the plot indicates Tehran uses covert networks and proxy actors for hostile activities beyond its borders. Specific details regarding the mechanics of the planned attack remain largely unexplained by authorities.
What is confirmed
- British police arrested a 22-year-old man in London on suspicion of a terror offense linked to RAF Fairford.
- Authorities have detained a total of seven people and released six on bail in connection with the incident.
- The United States removed its fleet of bombers from the British air base.
- Police initially arrested five suspects after being called to RAF Fairford early on Sunday, September 27.
Still unconfirmed
- The suspected terror plot targeting RAF Fairford was coordinated in Iran.
What to watch next
- Formal charges against the newly detained suspects
- Further statements from British counter-terrorism police regarding the Iran connection
- Decisions on whether the United States will return its bombers to RAF Fairford
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (15)
- kidadl.com — 37 Amazing Facts About The Number 5 - Kidadl
- www.newworldencyclopedia.org — 5 (number) - New World Encyclopedia
- en.wikipedia.org — 5 - Wikipedia
- www.youtube.com — I Can Show the Number 5 in Many Ways - YouTube
- simple.wikipedia.org — 5 (number) - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- mysticalnumbers.com — Number 5 - Meaning - Symbolism - Fun Facts - Religions and Myth
- www.nbcnews.com — Dual U.K.-Iranian national released on bail over suspected plot against U.S.-run military base
- www.cnn.com — 2 Iranian men charged over alleged bomb plot to target UK ...
- www.cbsnews.com — U.K. police arrest 7th man over RAF Fairford incident on ...
- www.al-monitor.com — Explainer-Suspected Iranian plot to attack UK's Fairford airbase, used by US: What do we know? - AL-MONIT....
- www.hellenicshippingnews.com — Kuwait preparing for long US-Iran disruption, plans to buy more ships
- www.upi.com — British police arrest 7th suspect linked to RAF Fairford ...
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Sixth Arrest Made in Suspected Terror Plot at UK Air Base
British counter-terrorism police arrested a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in Westminster, London, marking the sixth arrest in connection with a security incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The suspect was detained on suspicion of plotting a terror attack following an earlier incident where five British nationals in their twenties were detained after three suspicious vans approached the base. Authorities previously evacuated eighty-five homes and deployed a bomb disposal robot during the operation, and the United States Air Force has since removed its B-1 bombers from the facility.
Why it matters
RAF Fairford is a British-owned base utilized by American bombers during Middle East conflicts, including the ongoing Iran war. The security breach and subsequent counter-terrorism investigations prompted the US military to withdraw its aircraft from the installation. Police are actively investigating potential foreign state involvement in the plot.
What is confirmed
- British police arrested a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in Westminster, London, on suspicion of plotting a terror attack.
- The arrest marks the sixth person detained in connection with the security incident at RAF Fairford.
- The United States has removed its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford following the security incident.
- Five men in their twenties were previously arrested under counter-terrorism laws after three suspicious vans approached the base.
Still unconfirmed
- Police are investigating possible foreign state involvement in the plot.
What to watch next
- Decisions by UK counter-terrorism prosecutors on whether to formally charge any of the six arrested suspects
- Further updates from British police regarding potential foreign state links to the plot
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.aljazeera.com — UK arrests British-Iranian suspect over RAF ‘plot’: What we ...
- www.bbc.com — Dual UK-Iranian national arrested over RAF Fairford incident
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — Suspected Iranian plot to attack UK's Fairford airbase, used by US: What do we know?
- www.newsday.com — Dual UK-Iranian national arrested over security incident at ...
- www.gmanetwork.com — US removes bombers from UK base at center of suspected ...
- www.newindianexpress.com — What to know about the suspected bomb plot against a UK air ...
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US Withdraws Bombers From UK Base After Terror Plot
The United States Air Force has removed all B-1B bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire following a foiled terror plot and rising regional tensions. Five British nationals in their twenties were detained under counter-terrorism laws after three suspicious vans approached the base. Authorities evacuated eighty-five homes and deployed a bomb disposal robot during the security operation. While the suspects have since been released on bail, United Kingdom counter-terrorism police are actively investigating potential links to foreign actors.
Why it matters
RAF Fairford is a British-owned base utilized by American bombers for limited strikes during the ongoing conflict with Iran. Iran has explicitly stated that any military bases used to attack it are considered legitimate targets. The security scare has heightened concerns over force protection as regional hostilities persist.
What is confirmed
- The United States Air Force has redeployed all B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford back to the United States.
- Five British men in their twenties were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near RAF Fairford.
- The security incident prompted the evacuation of eighty-five homes near the air base.
- United Kingdom counter-terrorism police released the five detained suspects on bail while the investigation continues.
Still unconfirmed
- United Kingdom police are probing whether the terror plot has links to Iran or Russia.
- US President Donald Trump stated that those involved in the plot had planned big damage, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to the hands of a foreign actor.
What to watch next
- Decisions by UK counter-terrorism police regarding whether to formally charge the five bailed suspects.
- Any official updates from UK authorities confirming or ruling out foreign state involvement in the plot.
- Future US Department of Defense announcements on whether bomber aircraft will return to RAF Fairford.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (14)
- www.csmonitor.com — 5 arrested near British air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act
- www.nbcnews.com — Bomb squad searching vans near U.S. air base in Britain as ...
- www.theguardian.com — Five arrested on terrorism charges after explosives found ...
- www.latimes.com — 5 arrested near air base used by U.S. in Iran war; terrorism plot suspected
- www.yahoo.com — 5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act
- www.yahoo.com — 5 Men Arrested in Suspected Terror Plot at Air Base Used by U.S. Forces: ‘They Were Looking to Do Big D....
- www.latimes.com — 5 men arrested near a U.S.-run air base are bailed as U.K. police probe whether there's a link to Iran
- www.bbc.com — BBC Audio | Newshour | The five men arrested near an airbase in England are being released on bail
- www.jpost.com — What do we know about the suspected Iranian plot to attack UK's Fairford airbase? - explainer
- www.newindianexpress.com — US withdraws all bomber planes from UK airbase: Pentagon
- www.etvbharat.com — US Air Force Removes All Bombers From British Air Base Targeted By A Suspected Terror Attack
- www.ibtimes.sg — Why Did US Pull B-1 Bombers From RAF Fairford? The Iran Strike Risk Explained
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5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war
Five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near RAF Fairford, a UK air base used by the US Air Force for missions in Iran. The men, all British nationals, were detained under counter-terrorism laws and later released on bail. Police evacuated homes in the area and conducted a major security operation, but found no explosives in the vehicles of the detained men.
Why it matters
The arrests were made near RAF Fairford, an air base in England used by US long-range bombers for operations in Iran. The incident has raised concerns about the security of US military installations in the UK. The UK police are investigating whether there is a link to Iran.
What is confirmed
- Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
- The men are all British nationals living in London.
- Police evacuated homes in the area and conducted a major security operation.
- No explosives were found in the vehicles of the detained men.
- The air base is used by the US Air Force for missions in Iran.
Still unconfirmed
- There may be a link to Iran.
What to watch next
- Further investigation results
- Potential charges against the detained men
- UK police conclusions on a possible Iran link
confidence 93%Sources used for this update (11)
- AP News — Police evacuate homes near US air base in England and detain men on suspected explosives offensives
- NBC News — Men arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses near U.S. air base in Britain in major incident
- The New York Times — 5 Men Arrested on Suspicion of Terrorism Offenses Near RAF Fairford, Air Base Used by U.S.
- U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom (.gov) — Security Alert: U.S. Embassy London, United Kingdom (September 27, 2026)
- BBC — 'Iran link to RAF bomb plot' and 'Tax rise talks at No 10'
- Fox News — Foiled terror plot at bomber base signals wider threat to US military installations: expert
- nypost.com — Five British nationals already out on bail after arrest over suspected bomb plot at UK base: police
- www.newsday.com — 5 men arrested near a US-run air base are bailed as UK police probe whether there's a link to Iran
- www.nbcnews.com — British police find no explosives in vehicles of men detained near base used by U.S.
- abcnews.com — 5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on ...
- www.koat.com — 5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on ...
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