Iranophobia Propaganda: Iran Denies Link To UK Airbase Bomb Scare After Five Arrests

Iran has rejected claims linking Tehran to the arrest of five men near RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by US military aircraft, calling such speculation “unfounded and malicious” and accusing some British individuals and media outlets of fuelling “Iranophobia propaganda”. British authorities, however, have not accused Iran of involvement and have yet to establish a motive in the case.

The Iranian Embassy in London issued the denial after five men were arrested near the Gloucestershire airbase over suspected explosives offences. The incident triggered a major security operation, including the evacuation of 85 households in the nearby village of Whelford while bomb-disposal experts examined three vehicles.

Iran’s embassy said it “categorically” rejected attempts to connect Tehran with the arrests. It also warned that what it described as “fabricated claims” could contribute to anti-Iran sentiment in Britain and said it reserved the right to take legal action to protect its interests against misleading and damaging reports.

The arrests were made in the early hours of Sunday, September 27, after police received a call at around 12:45 am about three suspicious vehicles apparently travelling towards RAF Fairford. Armed officers subsequently arrested five men in Whelford. They were initially detained under the Explosives Act and later arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.

Gloucestershire Police worked with counter-terrorism officers and Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists as the vehicles were examined. A 400-metre cordon was established around the scene, with residents moved to a nearby leisure centre as bomb-disposal teams inspected the vans using specialist equipment.

Materials found inside the vehicles initially appeared consistent with improvised explosive devices, although investigators have been examining whether the suspected devices were viable. One van reportedly carried the logo of a fuel company and a phone number with a missing digit. The company said its name had been used without permission and that it was cooperating with investigators.

The incident appears to have come to police attention after members of the public noticed unusual activity involving the vehicles. Local residents also discussed the vans on a community WhatsApp group before emergency services responded.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the suspects had been under investigation by US and British authorities and claimed they were planning to cause “big damage” at the facility.

“We had them under investigation,” Trump said, adding that the suspects were “looking to do big damage to our fort”. He also credited cooperation between US and British authorities for the arrests. British police, however, have not publicly confirmed Trump's description of the alleged plot or established that the RAF base was the intended target.

The Iran angle has emerged largely because of RAF Fairford’s role in US military operations against Iran. The base is home to US Air Force units and has hosted American bomber aircraft. It has also been used during the current conflict, making the arrests particularly sensitive.

Iran has previously warned that British or other foreign military facilities used to support attacks against Iranian territory could be considered legitimate targets. That history has fuelled speculation about a possible Iranian connection to the Fairford incident.

The five suspects are British nationals from London and are all in their 20s, according to police. Their identities have not been publicly disclosed, and they have not been charged. Investigators are continuing to examine the vehicles, suspected explosive materials, the suspects’ movements and any possible links to foreign organisations.