RAF Fairford Terror Arrests: Iran Condemns 'Malicious' Speculation, Rupert Lowe Questions 'British' Label

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has questioned the significance of the five suspects being described as British nationals following the incident near RAF Fairford. Earlier, Farage linked Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to what happened near the base in the early hours of Sunday, 27 September.

Iran, through its embassy in London, vehemently denied the speculation. 'The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in London categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations published by some British individuals and media outlets attempting to link Iran to (the) arrest of five suspects in the vicinity of RAF Fairford base,' the statement read.

Iran Embassy Condemns Speculation

The embassy urged caution over making similar statements, saying they could fuel 'Iranophobia' in the UK. 'The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to take appropriate legal measures, as necessary, to safeguard the rights and interests of the country and its people in response to misleading and damaging media narratives,' the embassy also warned.

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) confirmed that the five people arrested were all UK nationals. They were released on police bail on Monday, 28 September, the day after their arrest. The agency did not release their names but said they were all male, aged between 23 and 25, and London residents. Three were from Westminster, one from Camden and another from Willesden.

'"British nationals" arrested at RAF Fairford, we're told,' Farage said on social media. 'Were they born here? Grew up here? Family ties here? Or were they simply handed a passport, and labelled "British"?'

Terrorism Investigation

Farage also claimed that CTP had been investigating Iranian nationals in the UK over the previous few months. 'I know that over the course of the last few months, counter terrorism have launched a massive investigation into Iranian nationals living in this country, worried that something like the Fairford plot would come along.'

Farage also claimed that the IRGC was using small boats to bring its operatives into the UK. 'I've made these pleas again and again and again for there to be a national emergency,' he added.

Reform UK's Shadow Home Secretary, Zia Yusuf, echoed the call for a national emergency. A COBR meeting, commonly referred to as a Cobra meeting, is used to coordinate the government's response to major incidents.

Investigation Is Ongoing

Prime Minister Andy Burnham convened a COBR meeting on Monday, 28 September, a day after the five suspects were arrested. They were released on police bail that afternoon, but CTP stressed that the investigation was continuing.

'To be very clear, this does not mean the investigation is over. They are subject to stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others. They absolutely remain under investigation as we explore multiple lines of enquiry,' said Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing.

Police have not publicly identified a motive for the incident, and no Iranian connection has been confirmed.

Farage's comments about a possible Iranian link drew criticism, while Burnham also urged the public not to speculate about the incident. Piers Morgan also asked: 'What point do you think you're proving?'