Iran is almost certainly behind plot against base used by US in war, UK says: news
13-10-2026
UK Confirms Iran Behind Foiled Terror Plot Against RAF Fairford Military Base Used by US Forces
British intelligence assessments have concluded that a foiled terror plot against RAF Fairforda strategic airbase in southwest England utilized by the United States Air Forcewas “almost certainly” directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The incident unfolded after counterterrorism officers and explosive ordnance disposal units responded to suspicious activity near the military installation. Multiple suspects were detained and later released on bail as counterterrorism police expanded their investigation into hostile state activity. Investigators recovered vans containing significant quantities of accelerants near the perimeter.
RAF Fairford serves as a primary forward operating location for American heavy strategic bombers, notably supporting U.S. combat sorties and coalition operations. Officials noted that foreign intelligence agencies and proxy networks linked to Tehran have increasingly sought to target sensitive Western military infrastructure and defense installations.
In response to the intelligence findings, the UK government summoned Iran’s ambassador to lodge a formal diplomatic protest and coordinated with international allies, including the United States, to impose targeted sanctions on key IRGC intelligence figures connected to hostile overseas operations. Tehran has denied direct involvement in the incident.