LONDON (ISIS), October 20, 2026. British counterterrorism police have rearrested two men as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected Iranian links to activities near RAF Fairford, a military airbase in southwest England used by the United States Air Force.
The men, aged 24 and 25, were previously arrested in connection with the investigation and subsequently released under investigation. One is a British national, while the other holds dual British-Iranian nationality. Their latest arrests were made under the UK’s National Security Act.
Authorities are examining whether the alleged activities near the base were connected to a foreign state. The investigation has focused on possible links to Iran, although the precise roles of the two suspects and the extent of any alleged involvement have yet to be established.
Investigation Follows September Incident
The investigation stems from an incident on September 27, when police arrested five men in connection with suspicious activity near RAF Fairford. Two additional individuals were subsequently detained as inquiries continued.
Investigators examined three suspicious vans during the operation. Reports indicated that a flammable liquid was found, while no explosives were discovered. The incident prompted a security response, including the temporary evacuation of residents from nearby properties.
RAF Fairford is a strategically important facility for the US military and has been used to support operations involving American long-range bombers. Its role in US military activities has placed the base under heightened scrutiny amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Authorities Examine Possible Iranian Involvement
British counterterrorism officials have said that the investigation remains ongoing and that they are examining the possibility of Iranian state involvement. Authorities are continuing to assess the available evidence and have not publicly established the full circumstances surrounding the suspected activities.
The case comes amid broader concerns in the United Kingdom and other Western countries about alleged attempts by foreign intelligence services to conduct surveillance, gather sensitive information or facilitate operations on British soil.
Iran has rejected allegations that it is responsible for hostile activities abroad. Whether the two men acted on behalf of Iranian authorities, and whether any specific operation was planned or carried out, remains a matter for investigators.
The rearrests do not constitute proof of guilt, and the allegations against the suspects have not been established in court.