Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the House of Commons on Oct. 12 that the suspected plot at RAF Fairford, a base used by US bombers, was highly likely coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran denied it, calling the claim baseless and malicious.
According to Reuters, Burnham told parliament on Oct. 12 that a suspected plot against RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire was “highly likely” coordinated in Iran and “almost certainly” directed by the IRGC. He said Britain would crack down on Iran’s use of criminal networks, target its funding and impose further sanctions. That is a firmer line than the “strong indications” he cited soon after the incident.
광고 문의 · 300×250Iran rejected the claim. Reuters reported that Tehran denied involvement and called the allegations unfounded and malicious speculation. Al Jazeera reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had already answered Britain’s earlier remarks on Oct. 1, saying London was barking up the wrong tree.
What happened on Sept. 27
Pieced together from Reuters and Al Jazeera: five British men in their 20s were arrested near the base in the early hours of Sept. 27 on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences. Petrol was found in vans linked to them, but no explosives. All five were released on bail; seven people in total, including a British-Iranian man, were later arrested, and no one has reportedly been charged.
US officials told Reuters of a suspected Iran-linked drone attack plan, and President Trump said last week an Iran-linked threat led to the bombers’ withdrawal. Public detail on the plan remains limited, and British press reports said some experts think it may have been a feint.
London paired the claim with diplomatic and punitive steps. Reuters said Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband summoned Iran’s ambassador and two Iranians were sanctioned, including Ruhollah Bazghandi, described as the IRGC’s counterespionage chief. Foreign ministries of nearly 30 countries, including the US, Canada, France and Germany, joined a statement condemning Iran’s violent and hybrid activities.
A third perspective: Tehran has repeatedly said any base used to attack its territory is a legitimate target, yet it denies any link to the UK incident. In Britain some argue sanctions alone will not prevent a repeat and that the IRGC should be banned outright, while others stress that the evidence has not been made public. We assign no responsibility before the investigation and any charging decisions are known.
