Burnham Says Iran’s IRGC Likely Directed Fairford Plot

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Parliament on October 12 that the government assessed a suspected plot involving RAF Fairford was highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran has denied involvement, and the investigation remains open. The alleged plot came to light after five men were arrested near the air base on September 27. Police later arrested two more men in connection with the investigation. All seven had been released on bail, and no one had been charged as of October 12, according to reports. Police said petrol was found in vans linked to suspects, but no viable explosives were recovered. The investigation is examining whether a foreign state was involved. The supplied reports do not provide evidence establishing who directed the alleged plot or detail the precise nature of the suspected operation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the accusation, saying Britain was “barking up the wrong tree.” The UK government summoned Iran’s ambassador on October 12.