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‘Strong indications’ that Iran played role in RAF Fairford incident, says Burnham
Officials say the men remain under investigation as police found petrol but no explosives in vehicles near the air base.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Burnham confirmed his government's belief that "Iran played a part" in the weekend incident at RAF Fairford, where five British nationals were arrested on suspicion of terrorism.
Counter-Terrorism police found only fuel and empty drums in three vehicles operated by the suspects rather than explosives, with Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor noting they "must adhere to very strict conditions."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the plot "clearly involves the hand of a foreign actor," while President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the suspects' release, stating it "might be" linked to Iran.
The Iranian Embassy in London "categorically rejects" allegations linking the regime to the incident, though experts warn of a pattern where foreign actors recruit unsuspecting individuals for sabotage attacks across Western Europe.
Burnham expressed "complete confidence" in British security services and said he "wouldn't hesitate" to recall Parliament if necessary, as police cordons are expected to be completely lifted on Wednesday.