UK Police Rearrest Two Men Suspected of Assisting Iranian Intelligence

OPA WIRE, Oct 20 (OPA) — British counter-terrorism officers rearrested two men on Tuesday as part of an investigation into a security breach last month at RAF Fairford, a base housing U.S. B-1 bombers. The suspects, a 24-year-old British national and a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian citizen, are being held on suspicion of violating Section 3 of the National Security Act by assisting a foreign intelligence agency.

Senior counter-terrorism official Laurence Taylor confirmed that seven men have been arrested since the investigation began. While five of the suspects remain on bail, Taylor stated that investigators continue to gather evidence and maintain a strong suspicion of Iranian state involvement. Iran has categorically denied the allegations.

Initial arrests occurred in late September following reports of suspicious activity near the base, which prompted the deployment of bomb disposal units and the evacuation of nearby residents. U.S. intelligence had reportedly identified Iranian-linked plots targeting American assets at the facility weeks before the police intervention. Following the arrests, the U.S. relocated its long-range bombers from the base as a precautionary measure.

British officials, including Defense Secretary Wes Streeting, have credited public vigilance for assisting the investigation. While U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, have publicly linked the security threat to Iranian actors, the investigation remains active. No U.S. bombers have returned to the Fairford facility since the relocation was ordered.