Britain Points the Finger at Tehran Over Plot Against Air Base Used by U.S. Bombers

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Monday that, according to British intelligence assessments, the suspected plot to attack RAF Fairford was very likely coordinated in Iran and almost certainly carried out under the direction of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Speaking before Parliament, Burnham said: "I can confirm our assessment that the plot was highly likely coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards."

Western Countries Condemn Iran Over Suspected Attack

Meanwhile, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several European countries, including France and Germany, issued a joint statement on Monday condemning Iran and expressing support for Britain's allegations of Iranian involvement in the September incident at RAF Fairford.

The statement also addressed other hostile activities attributed to Iran across Europe, warning against further operations on their territory.

"This incident followed attacks across Europe. Any attempt by Iran to threaten, silence, harass, or harm people on our soil through proxies or any other means is unacceptable," the countries declared.

They also emphasized their readiness to respond to such actions, warning: "Anyone who carries out hostile activities against us should know that we will respond."

Suspected Iranian Drone Plot Targeted Base Used by US Bombers

RAF Fairford had been used by American bombers conducting strikes against Iran. Last week, US President Donald Trump announced that a threat linked to Tehran had prompted the removal of aircraft from the base.

American officials told Reuters that the suspected plot involved an Iranian plan to carry out a drone attack.

The investigation began on September 27, when five British citizens were arrested in the early morning near the airbase, close to three commercial vehicles, on suspicion of terrorism and explosives-related offenses. All five were subsequently released on police bail under strict conditions, without charges being filed. Police discovered gasoline in the vehicles but found no usable explosives.

Two additional suspects, including a British citizen of Iranian descent, were also arrested and later released. Investigators examined the possibility of foreign state involvement in the suspected plot.

Britain Threatens Further Sanctions Against Iran

Burnham emphasized that his government would take action against criminal networks used by Iran, including their sources of funding, and impose additional sanctions on Tehran and the Revolutionary Guards.

"We will not tolerate these threats on our soil," he declared.

Iran rejected the allegations of involvement, describing them as "baseless and malicious speculation."

Previous Allegations of Iranian Operations in Britain

British authorities have previously accused Iran of involvement in several suspected plots within the country.

In July, Britain introduced new powers targeting agents operating on behalf of foreign states. The measures prohibited support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and an organization linked to it that had been accused of attacks against targets associated with Jewish and Israeli communities, as well as Persian-language media outlets.

Reporting published on October 12, 2026, by Reuters, AP and The Guardian confirms the central details of this report. The alleged Iranian involvement remains an intelligence assessment, and Iran denies responsibility.