UK PM Burnham says Iran likely involved in RAF Fairford incident

September 30, 2026 at 08:59 PM2 min

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Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK government believes Iran played a part in the RAF Fairford incident that led to five arrests. He cited strong indications of Iranian involvement, while Tehran denied any role. Burnham defended the decision to release the five men on bail amid criticism from US President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

Five UK nationals aged 23 to 25 were arrested in the early hours of Sunday near RAF Fairford after police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles in Whelford.
Police found a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices during searches of the vans.
The five men were released on bail under what police called an investigative decision grounded in experience and strategy.
US President Donald Trump questioned the bail decision, saying he would not have released them.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran has openly threatened to attack American interests globally.

Iranian Involvement Claim

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the BBC there are strong indications that Iran played a part in the RAF Fairford incident. He said the government believes Iran to have played a part, but did not provide further details. Tehran has strongly denied any involvement in the incident. Burnham said the UK has been talking to US counterparts all week to explain how the situation is being handled.

Arrests and Bail Decision

The five men were arrested in the early hours of Sunday after police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles in Whelford, a village directly east of the base. They are all UK nationals aged between 23 and 25; four live in Westminster and one in Camden. Police said a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices were found during searches of the vans. The men were released on bail in what police described as an investigative decision grounded in experience and strategy. Burnham insisted the men were subject to the strictest possible bail conditions and that UK authorities have the situation under the strongest grip and closest control.

US Reaction

Speaking at the White House on Monday, President Donald Trump said he was surprised the men were released and that he would not have granted bail. In a Fox News interview, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran has openly threatened to attack American interests globally. Burnham said he has complete confidence in the way British security services are handling the investigation.