RAF Fairford inquiry leads to fresh charges over alleged Iranian intelligence links

British counter-terrorism detectives have re-arrested two men on suspicion of assisting Iranian foreign intelligence, following an alleged security incident near an air force installation in Gloucestershire.

Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed that the individuals, aged 24 and 25, face fresh accusations under the National Security Act. One of the men is a British citizen who was previously detained near RAF Fairford, while the second suspect is a British-Iranian dual national initially detained in London.

The arrests are linked to an operation that began on September 27, when five British men were taken into custody outside the south-west England military installation during the early morning hours. Two additional suspects were detained at a later stage. All seven people had been granted bail prior to the latest police action.

RAF Fairford was hosting a deployment of American B-1B Lancer aircraft when the initial arrests occurred. Following the incident, the United States military withdrew the strategic bombers back to their home bases. A Department of Defense official confirmed that all deployed bombers had returned stateside without causing operational setbacks.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the national lead for counter-terrorism policing, stated that detectives continue to gather evidence in an ongoing inquiry. Taylor noted that investigators still assess Iranian state involvement to be highly probable, adding that police aim to provide more information to the public as the probe develops.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham remarked last week that the activity near Fairford appeared to have been directed from Iran. The British government also summoned the Iranian ambassador to receive a formal diplomatic protest over the affair. Iranian officials have dismissed the accusations.

Security specialists note that the UK serves as a strategic hub for American long-range bomber operations, distinguishing it from several other European allies. Jonathan Hackett, a former US military interrogator speaking at a Royal United Services Institute panel, observed that Iranian security services view Britain as a viable target for harassment and disruption due to its willingness to host strategic US aircraft connected to Washington's regional deterrence efforts.