Tehran: Iran has rejected the British government’s claim that Tehran “played a part” in a recent incident near RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base in Gloucestershire that hosts the US Air Force.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi dismissed the allegation in a post on X on Thursday, after British authorities linked the incident to a wider investigation involving five men detained near the air base.
Five Men Detained Near RAF Fairford
British police detained five men in their 20s on Sunday on suspicion of explosives and terrorism-related offences after receiving information that three vans had been seen travelling towards the air base.
The men were later released on police bail following examination of items found in the vans and investigations at addresses linked to them in London.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” that Iran had played a part in the incident, while stressing that the police investigation remained ongoing.
Iran Rejects Allegation
Responding to the British claim, Araghchi rejected any Iranian involvement and questioned the decision to release the suspects on bail.
The Iranian minister said Britain was “barking up the wrong tree”, while the investigation into the incident continues.
The case has also drawn criticism from US officials. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was disturbed by the decision to release the suspects on bail, while US President Donald Trump also criticised the move.
Authorities in Britain continue to investigate the incident and any possible links to foreign actors.