UK-Iranian dual national detained in connection with RAF Fairford protest, police confirm

LONDON, 2 OCTOBER 2026 —

A UK-Iranian dual national has been arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts in connection with the security incident at RAF Fairford, counter-terror police announced.

The development follows a major security breach at the base, which is operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) and has served as a forward operating location for decades. In recent months, US bombers have launched from the airbase for the Middle East, following UK approval of a US request to use the site for defensive strikes on Iran.

This strategic shift has heightened the security profile of the base, placing it at the center of geopolitical tensions between Washington, London, and Tehran.

Counter-terror police are investigating the incident with significant intensity, considering "all possible angles - including foreign state involvement," according to Vicki Evans, the force’s senior national coordinator. Evans described the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the events in Gloucestershire as "hugely complex," noting that specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry. She also expressed gratitude to the public for their continued support and patience while the investigation proceeds.

The initial arrests occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning after reports of "three suspicious vehicles" travelling towards the base. The BBC understands that one of the men involved had dialled 999 himself approximately one hour before a local farmer alerted police to a "large group" of masked men near the vehicles. Five men in their twenties, all UK nationals from London, were arrested near the airbase.

They were initially detained on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

Police released the five men on bail on Monday, a move the force described as an "investigative decision" that was "grounded in experience and strategy." The group, aged between 23 and 25, includes four residents of Westminster and one resident of Camden. Searches of their homes were carried out as part of the inquiry. During searches of vans near the site, police found a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices.

Political reactions to the incident have been sharp, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham stating on Wednesday that there were "strong indications" that Iran played a part in the incident. Burnham did not provide further details on the nature of these indications. In response, Tehran has strongly denied any involvement in the security breach at the UK-based US airbase.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in on Monday, asserting that "the hands of a foreign actor" had clearly been involved in the incident. His comments align with the broader narrative emerging from the investigation, which points toward external influence rather than a purely domestic criminal act. The dual national’s arrest in Westminster adds a new dimension to the case, linking the London-based suspects to the broader network under scrutiny.

The investigation remains active, with police continuing to examine the connections between the five men released on bail and the newly arrested dual national. The presence of petrol in the vehicles, though not explosive devices, has been a key piece of evidence in the early stages of the inquiry.

The complex nature of the case, involving multiple jurisdictions and potential state actors, suggests that the legal and diplomatic ramifications will extend well beyond the immediate criminal proceedings.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on determining the extent of foreign state involvement and the specific roles of the individuals arrested. The UK government and US authorities are coordinating their efforts to ensure a thorough and comprehensive response to the threat posed by the incident. The public has been urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

The case highlights the increasing security challenges faced by military bases in the UK, particularly those with significant US military presence. The approval for US defensive strikes on Iran has raised the stakes for these facilities, making them potential targets for hostile actors. The ongoing investigation will likely shed light on the methods and motivations of those involved, providing crucial insights for future security measures.

In the meantime, the five men on bail are subject to strict conditions, and the dual national is in police custody. The legal proceedings are expected to be closely watched by both domestic and international observers, given the high-profile nature of the incident and the potential implications for UK-Iran relations. The outcome of the investigation will be critical in shaping the UK’s approach to national security in the face of evolving geopolitical threats.

The incident at RAF Fairford serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in maintaining a global military presence. As the investigation continues, the focus will remain on uncovering the full scope of the plot and holding those responsible accountable. The collaboration between UK and US authorities underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational security threats.

The public’s patience and support have been instrumental in allowing the police to conduct their work without interference. As the case progresses, further updates are expected to provide clarity on the complex web of connections and the ultimate fate of those involved. The resolution of this incident will have significant implications for the security landscape in the UK and beyond.