Iran Foreign Minister Araghchi Taunts UK Over RAF Fairford Suspects' Release: 'Really Says It All'

Andy Burnham says there are 'strong indications that Iran played a part' in what happened at RAF Fairford last Sunday, where five men were arrested early on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act. However, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) confirmed they were released the next day on police bail.

'They remain under investigation and must adhere to strict conditions while we continue our work,' CTP Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said of the release. The arrests involved suspected explosives offences and preparation of a terrorist act. However, the police found no explosives in the vans. They found petrol.

'Barking Up the Wrong Tree'

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi commented on Burnham's statements on social media: 'PM Burnham says the UK Government "can confirm our belief that we believe Iran to have played a part" in the RAF Fairford incident.'

'I can confirm Iran's belief that releasing supposed terrorists working for foreign states really says it all,' Araghchi also said. 'You're barking up the wrong tree.'

US President Donald Trump also questioned the UK's decision to release the five men, whom CTP identified as British nationals aged between 23 and 25. Trump said he was 'surprised' that the suspects were released. 'I wouldn't have done that,' he said on Monday.

'We know everything about them. We would not have released them,' Trump also said, while mentioning that the US and UK were working closely together regarding the RAF Fairford incident. The military base has been used by US forces to launch airstrikes against Iran.

Ongoing Investigation

Burnham confirmed that the government is 'working closely' with US counterparts. 'But of course, it remains an ongoing, complex and serious police investigation... And of course, we are working closely with our colleagues in the USA. So, it's ongoing,' he said.

US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens also highlighted the collaboration between the two countries. 'In the face of threats from hostile actors, our two countries are working together to keep our citizens safe, at home and abroad.'

The PM also convened a Cobra meeting (Cabinet Office Briefing Room A), the government's emergency response meeting. 'We are on top of it in every possible way imaginable. The police in Gloucestershire, our Counter Terrorism Police, have done an outstanding job... We will say more in due course, but we can confirm that we believe that Iran has played a part,' Burnham added.

CTP acknowledged that the release of the suspects would come as a surprise to many. Taylor said in a press release: 'I understand why this development will have come as a surprise to many, but I'd like to reiterate that it was an investigative decision, and one which is grounded in experience and careful consideration of policing powers.'

UK-Iran Meeting

Just last week, Araghchi and UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband met in the US on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. During the meeting, Miliband told his counterpart that the UK would 'not tolerate intimidation, threats or hostile activity on UK soil' from groups linked to Iran. This was before the RAF Fairford incident.