Counter‑terrorism police are investigating possible Iranian links to a suspected bomb plot after armed officers discovered explosives in three vans parked close to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, a base used by the US military.
Five men were arrested on terrorism charges, and investigators said materials found in the vehicles appeared consistent with improvised explosive devices. Images shared on Sunday showed men being handcuffed on a rural lane in the early hours after police were alerted to suspicious vans heading towards the base, reports The Guardian.
The suspected plot was disrupted when a member of the public noticed unusual behaviour and called emergency services. Residents of 85 homes in Whelford village were evacuated to Cirencester leisure centre, and a 400‑metre cordon was set up while army bomb disposal robots examined the vans. Tests are ongoing to determine whether the devices were viable.
The men were initially arrested under explosives offences and later held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Photographs of them shirtless suggested precautionary checks against concealed weapons or suicide vests.
One van carried the logo of a fuel company with a false phone number. The real company denied any involvement, saying its name had been misused and that it was cooperating with authorities.
Counter‑terrorism police confirmed: “At around 12.45am today (Sunday 27 September), police received a call relating to three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the airbase. Armed officers responded and five men were arrested in the Whelford area on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act. They were further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act.”
Arrests heighten tensions
The arrests come against the backdrop of the ongoing US‑Iran war. In July, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps noted that US bombers were operating from RAF Fairford and warned Britain that “any base used for aggression against Iranian territory constitutes a legitimate target for our forces.”
Counter‑terrorism police and security services are now examining possible motives. The circumstances of the arrests near the base, combined with Tehran’s earlier warnings, have placed an Iranian link high on the list of possibilities. However, investigators stress that no scenario is being ruled out, with jihadist or other motives also under consideration. The UK’s threat level remains at “severe,” the second highest, meaning an attack is considered highly likely.
Whether foreign involvement played a role is central to the inquiry. Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security has previously orchestrated attacks abroad, and any proven connection to Tehran would mark a significant escalation in hostilities between the UK and Iran.
Several recent incidents in Britain have already been linked to Iran, including the antisemitic arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green. But the alleged plot at RAF Fairford is viewed as far more serious.
The case also raises urgent questions for UK security services, as the suspected plot appears to have gone undetected until a local resident spotted suspicious activity late at night and called 999. Police only moved in on the three vans after that tip‑off.
Trump praises joint UK‑US response
US President Donald Trump claimed the suspects had been under surveillance “for a long time” and alleged they “were looking to do big damage.” However, the Guardian understands the operation was not intelligence‑led, indicating investigators had no prior knowledge of the alleged plot. “It was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job,” Trump said.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham was receiving updates from Liverpool, where the Labour Party conference is underway. He cancelled plans to join a journalists‑versus‑politicians football match to take calls on the incident. Burnham described the situation as “deeply concerning” and pledged the government would “always take every step necessary” to protect the public.
RAF Fairford is notable for its nearly two‑mile (3km) reinforced runway, designed to accommodate heavy bombers such as the B‑1 and B‑52. These aircraft, capable of carrying large payloads including “bunker buster” bombs, have been used in strikes against Iran.
In March, following approval from then Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for “defensive” US operations against Iranian missile sites, four American bombers landed at Fairford, marking the start of US use of British bases for specific defensive missions.
The UK government’s decision to allow US forces to operate from Fairford has triggered protests in recent months, particularly over strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
When Iran issued its warning in July, a government spokesperson responded: “Our armed forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it’s on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself.”
Residents evacuated from Whelford reported “heightened tensions” around the base in recent weeks, noting more frequent police patrols. Outside Cirencester leisure centre, Jason, a Whelford resident who declined to give his surname, said, “There have been heightened tensions recently around the base. We are aware it is used by the USAF … It always feels pretty safe. Some residents have seen increased police patrols.”
Residents face uncertainty
It remained unclear when evacuated residents would be able to return home. Those sheltering at Cirencester leisure centre said authorities had asked if they had alternative places to stay on Sunday night.
The Fairford youth football club, located about 1.5 miles (2.4km) northwest of Whelford, was converted into a temporary base for emergency services responding to the incident. The grounds were filled with police vehicles, ambulances, fire engines, pop‑up tents, and a large mobile command unit.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone of Gloucestershire Constabulary acknowledged the disruption caused by the evacuation.
He said, “We appreciate the disruption this will have caused and would like to reassure them we are working as quickly as we can to get them back in their properties.”
