Police arrest UK-Iranian national over suspected terror plot
LONDON — Police on Thursday arrested a dual U.K.-Iranian national on suspicion of plotting a terror attack following a security incident at a U.S.-run military air base in England that British authorities have linked to Tehran, reports BritPanorama.
The 27-year-old man was arrested in London, and police have searched two properties in the U.K. capital, Counter Terrorism Policing stated.
A 26-year-old British national was interviewed by police “under caution,” allowing for the recorded interview to be used in future prosecutions.
Earlier on Sunday, five men, all British nationals in their 20s and from London, were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terror offenses near the RAF Fairford air base, which has been utilized by American bombers for strikes against Iran. The suspects have since been released on bail.
Police say they found a quantity of an accelerant — gasoline — in three vans linked to the five suspects, but no explosives were discovered.
Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing, indicated that the investigation “is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of inquiry.”
She added, “As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles — including possible foreign state involvement.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asserted the U.K. sees “strong indications” that Iran played a role in the incident, although Iran denies any involvement.
The air base, located 100 miles west of London, has been employed by American bombers during decades of conflicts in the Middle East, including this year’s war with Iran.
Top U.S. officials have expressed criticism regarding the decision to grant bail to the five suspects; President Donald Trump remarked, “I wouldn’t have done that,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated many were “disturbed” by the move.
Burnham stated that authorities maintain “the strongest grip and the closest control” over the investigation, with British officials having been “talking to counterparts in the United States all week to explain what is happening here, how things are being done.”
U.K. officials commented that proxies linked to Iran have been responsible for various arsons and attacks in Britain and other countries, often targeting the Jewish community and aimed at instilling fear. They have previously warned that Tehran could broaden its targets in the U.K. if conflicts in the Middle East persist.
