Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Wednesday that the British government possesses strong indications of Iran's involvement in a recent incident at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford air base, a facility frequently utilized by American bombers engaged in operations against Iran.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr. Burnham indicated that intelligence suggests Iran played a role in the events that transpired over the weekend at the base, located approximately 90 miles outside London. He emphasized that the situation is the subject of an ongoing, intricate, and serious police investigation, and that the UK is cooperating closely with its American counterparts.
The incident prompted significant concern and heightened security measures after five men were apprehended early Sunday morning near the base on suspicion of explosives violations and terrorism. For over two days, police and military personnel meticulously examined three white vans associated with the arrested individuals, employing a bomb disposal robot. Consequently, more than 85 nearby residences were evacuated.
Initially, Mr. Burnham had advised the public against speculation regarding the motive or potential international connections of the five men, all of whom are British citizens. They were subsequently released on bail on Monday. Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that no explosives were discovered in the vans, although an unspecified amount of gasoline was found.
During the BBC interview, the Prime Minister declined to elaborate on the specific reasons for the government's belief in Iran's connection to the incident, but asserted that such a statement would not be made lightly. The Iranian Embassy in Britain issued a statement on Monday, dismissing any allegations of governmental involvement in a potential attack on the British base.
