by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – British counterterrorism police have arrested a 27-year-old dual British-Iranian national as investigators widen their probe into a suspected terrorist plot involving RAF Fairford, the strategically important British air base used by U.S. forces during military operations against Iran.
The man was arrested Thursday in Westminster on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of Britain’s Terrorism Act 2006. Police subsequently searched two properties in London.
A second man, a 26-year-old British national, has also been questioned under caution as investigators examine what authorities describe as multiple lines of inquiry.
The developments follow the arrest Sunday of five British men in their 20s near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after authorities received information about suspicious vehicles operating near the base.
The five were initially detained on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses. They were later released on police bail under what authorities described as stringent restrictions, but all remain under investigation.
Possible Iranian Connection Under Investigation
The investigation has increasingly focused on whether a foreign government or its proxies may have played a role.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Wednesday that authorities have “strong indications” Iran was connected to the suspected plot, while stressing that the police investigation remains ongoing.
Senior counterterrorism coordinator Vicki Evans said investigators are examining every possibility.
“As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles — including possible foreign state involvement,” Evans said. “I’d like to thank the public for their continued support and patience whilst we work through this investigation.”
Iran has denied involvement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, said Israel had provided Britain with intelligence concerning what he described as an Iranian-sponsored terrorist attack. British authorities have not publicly disclosed the intelligence underlying their suspicions.
Suspicious Vans Triggered Massive Security Response
The incident began early Sunday after authorities received reports of several suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford. Three vans were subsequently examined as police launched a major counterterrorism operation and evacuated dozens of nearby homes.
Investigators reportedly discovered containers of gasoline inside the vehicles but found no explosives. The vans also reportedly carried markings resembling those of a fuel transportation company, although investigators determined the branding was not genuine.
Authorities have not publicly established precisely what the vehicles were intended to be used for, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
RAF Fairford has assumed heightened strategic importance during the conflict with Iran. American military aircraft have operated from the installation during U.S. strikes against Iranian targets, making the base a potential target amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Western governments.
President Donald Trump said following Sunday’s arrests that the suspects had apparently intended to cause “big damage” and said American and British authorities had been cooperating closely on the investigation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said earlier this week that the incident appeared to involve a “foreign actor,” although he declined to publicly identify the country involved.
British counterterrorism officials have cautioned that investigators are still working through the evidence and have not announced charges against any of the suspects.
The arrest of a dual British-Iranian national now adds another significant element to an investigation already examining whether individuals in Britain may have been acting knowingly or unknowingly on behalf of a foreign state.
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