UK arrests seventh suspect in alleged RAF Fairford terror plot

British counter-terrorism police have arrested a seventh suspect in connection with a security incident at RAF Fairford, a US-run military airbase in Gloucestershire. A 22-year-old British national was detained in Westminster, London, on Tuesday, October 6, on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation that began on September 27, when five men were detained near the airbase's perimeter after police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles. A major incident was declared and dozens of residents were evacuated from nearby homes.

The investigation has yielded six previous arrests: five men aged 23–25 detained on September 27 near the base, and a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian national arrested on October 1 in London. All six have been released on police bail. Police found gasoline in three vans linked to the September 27 detainees but no explosives. Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans stated the investigation "remains a live investigation" with detectives "continuing to pursue multiple lines of inquiry." No charges have been filed against any suspect.

British authorities have linked the incident to Iran. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated the UK saw "strong indications" that Iran played a role, though he did not detail the nature of the suspected plot. Iran's embassy has denied involvement, but Iranian officials have previously stated that any military base used to attack Iranian territory is a legitimate target. The investigation is complex, with police and officials working to identify the motivation behind the September 27 incident.

The incident coincided with heightened tension at RAF Fairford, which hosts US bombers used for strikes in the Middle East. On Sunday, October 5, the US withdrew all 12 B-1 Lancer bombers from the base and returned them to America. President Donald Trump stated the aircraft were moved due to "threats" without providing specifics, saying "rather than tempting the enemy – we'll capture the enemy and beat the enemy, but why should we leave them there?" US Vice President JD Vance cited "an abundance of caution." Some media reports suggested the decision was motivated by intelligence of a potential Iranian drone attack, though US and UK officials have not formally confirmed this.

UK and US officials have expressed divergent views on the security situation. Downing Street asserted RAF Fairford remains safe, with officials questioning Iran's capability to execute a Ukraine-style drone attack on aircraft at the base. A US European Command spokesperson declined to discuss intelligence details but stated the US remains at "the highest state of readiness" to protect its personnel and assets. British security services have reported that national security cases involving activity by hostile states, including Iran, increased by 50% in the six months to December 2025.