MI5 chief warns of escalating threats from Iran and Russia

MI5 chief Ken McCallum warned on October 13 that Britain faces escalating threats from Iran and Russia, including Iranian efforts to target military sites and Russian hybrid operations. He also said terrorists could misuse artificial intelligence to develop biological weapons or novel pathogens. In his annual security address, McCallum said Iran-linked operations had led to more than 50 arrests in Britain over the past year. He described a shift in Iranian ambitions toward harder targets, including military sites, after earlier activity involving dissidents, Iranian media organisations and Jewish communities. The arrest figure and threat assessment were statements McCallum made in his speech. McCallum declined to discuss an ongoing investigation into activity near RAF Fairford, saying the case was not unique. The evidence available in the reporting does not establish who was responsible. A report said seven men had been arrested and released on bail after a member of the public alerted police to vans near the base on September 27; authorities reportedly found gasoline in the vehicles. That account did not establish a connection between the men and Iran.