Burnham: Iran’s IRGC ‘highly likely’ to be behind RAF Fairford terror plot

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1. 1h ago

   Iran IRGC Linked to RAF Fairford Terror Plot

   British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that it is highly likely Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed an attempted terrorist plot targeting RAF Fairford. Seven individuals, including a dual UK-Iranian national, have been arrested in connection with the security threat. In response to the incident, David Miliband summoned the Iranian ambassador, while the UK government sanctioned two Iranian nationals. The targeted air base has previously been used by American bombers for strikes against Iran, prompting international condemnation and a joint statement from the United States and 28 other nations.

   Why it matters

   The security incident at RAF Fairford highlights escalating tensions between Western nations and Iran, specifically involving the use of military infrastructure utilized by American forces. The British government has maintained a firm stance against foreign threats on domestic soil, resulting in diplomatic reprimands and coordinated international sanctions. Further developments are anticipated as security services continue their investigation into the arrested suspects.

   What is confirmed

   • British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said it was highly likely Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed a suspected terrorist plot targeting RAF Fairford.
   • Seven men, including a dual UK-Iranian national, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
   • The United Kingdom summoned the Iranian ambassador and sanctioned two Iranian nationals following the plot.
   • The United States and 28 other nations issued a joint statement condemning Iran's role in the attempted attack.

   What to watch next

   • Additional sanctions or diplomatic expulsions from the UK and allied nations against Iranian officials
   • Further details from court proceedings regarding the seven arrested suspects
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. www.foxnews.com — Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos...
   2. BBC — Britain won't tolerate threats on our soil, Miliband says as he summons Iran ambassador
   3. www.lbc.co.uk — 'Highly likely' that Iran was behind the RAF Fairford 'terror plot', Burnham says as PM warns more sanctions could follow
   4. politico.eu — Burnham: Iran’s IRGC ‘highly likely’ to be behind RAF Fairford terror plot
   5. AP News — Suspected plot at US-run air base almost certainly directed by Iran, UK prime minister says
   6. The Guardian — Iran’s Revolutionary Guards ‘almost certainly’ behind RAF Fairford threats, says Burnham
   7. Al Jazeera — UK blames Iran for airbase plot, sanctions two Iranian nationals
   8. U.S. Department of State (.gov) — Joint Statement on the United Kingdom’s Attribution of Iran’s Involvement in Attempted Terrorist Attack at RAF Fairford
   9. Reuters — UK PM Burnham says Iran's IRGC likely behind RAF Fairford incident
   10. NPR — British officials say Iran was responsible for incident at U.K. air base
   11. Homeland Security Today — U.S. and 28 Nations Condemn Iran’s Alleged Role in Attempted Terrorist Attack at RAF Fairford
   12. Axios — U.K. prime minister attributes plot against U.S. bomber base to Iran
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