UK-Iranian dual national arrested over RAF Fairford incident

RAF Fairford Incident

A UK-Iranian dual national has been arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts in connection with the incident at RAF Fairford, counter-terror police have said. The 27-year-old man was arrested in London, and a second man, a 26-year-old UK national, has also been questioned under caution. The arrest comes after a major incident was declared on Sunday, with five men, all UK nationals in their 20s, arrested on suspicion of explosives and terror offenses near the air base.

Investigation and Response

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry, according to Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans. As Evans said, "The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry." The police are considering all possible angles, including possible foreign state involvement. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said that there are "strong indications" that Iran played a part in the incident, which Iran denies. Burnham stated, "There are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford, but of course it remains an ongoing, complex and serious police investigation, and of course we are working closely with our colleagues in the United States of America."

Previous Arrests and Criticism

The five men who were arrested on Sunday were later released on police bail. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "the hands of a foreign actor" had clearly been involved in the incident at the base. President Donald Trump also commented on the release of the five men, saying "I wouldn’t have done that."

Security and Tensions

The incident has raised tensions between the UK and Iran, with the Iranian government summoning the British Ambassador in Tehran over the incident. The Iranian Embassy in London said in a statement that the regime "categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations published by some British individuals and media outlets attempting to link Iran" to the incident.

Detail	Information
Age of arrested dual national	27
Age of second man questioned	26
Number of men arrested on Sunday	5
Ages of men arrested on Sunday	Between 23 and 25

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the investigation?

The investigation is ongoing and complex, with specialist teams interrogating multiple lines of enquiry, including possible foreign state involvement.

What has been found during the searches?

A quantity of petrol was found in the vans linked to the five suspects, but no explosives or improvised explosive devices were present.

What is the response from Iran?

Iran has denied any involvement in the incident and has summoned the British Ambassador in Tehran over the claims linking Tehran to the plot.

The investigation into the RAF Fairford incident is ongoing, and the police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the events. The arrest of the dual UK-Iranian national and the questioning of the second man are significant developments in the case, and the police are considering all possible angles, including foreign state involvement. As the investigation continues, the UK and Iran remain at odds over the incident, with tensions heightened and the situation remaining complex and sensitive.