UK police re-arrest pair on suspicion of helping Iranian intelligence over RAF Fairford incident

British police re-arrested two men on suspicion of assisting Iranian intelligence in connection with activity at RAF Fairford airbase last month. The airbase had been used by US bombers for strikes on Iran. Counter Terrorism Policing re-arrested a 24-year-old British national and a 25-year-old British-Iranian dual national under the National Security Act. CTP stated Iranian state involvement is considered highly likely.

British police re-arrested two men on Tuesday on suspicion of assisting Iranian intelligence, as part of an ongoing investigation into activity at RAF Fairford airbase last month. The airbase had been used by US B-1 bombers to carry out strikes on Iran, but the bombers were withdrawn shortly after five British men were arrested outside the base on September 27. All seven initial suspects were released on bail. Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) re-arrested a 24-year-old British national, initially arrested outside RAF Fairford, and a 25-year-old British-Iranian dual national previously arrested in London, both under the National Security Act. CTP Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the investigation remains active and that Iranian state involvement is considered highly likely. Prime Minister Andy Burnham last week stated the activity was likely coordinated in Iran, a claim Iran's ambassador to Britain has denied.