British intelligence reveals: The Iranian plot more dangerous than 9/11

The head of MI5 warns of a shift in Iranian operational patterns, including targeting military facilities in the UK, and notes that the suspected plot against Fairford base is not an isolated incident. McCallum presented a broad threat picture including Russia, China, and the emerging threat of artificial intelligence for developing biological weapons.

The head of British security service MI5, Ken McCallum, warned in a speech that Iran is expanding its activities beyond targeting opponents of the Iranian regime and is now also targeting military facilities in the UK. McCallum referred to the suspected attack plot against the US Air Force base at Fairford last month, saying the incident is not isolated and there have been other examples worldwide. Following the Fairford base incident, dozens of residents were evacuated, seven men were arrested, and the US removed its bombers from the base. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the plot was "almost certainly" directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards. McCallum presented a broad threat picture including an increase in security service activity against threats from Russia, Iran, and China, and warned against the use of artificial intelligence for developing biological weapons, including creating new pathogens. He announced the establishment of a new center for assessing AI threats.