OMM Redaksiyası
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran was likely behind an alleged plot involving RAF Fairford air base in Gloucestershire, England. The base has played a role in US operations against Iran.
Speaking in Parliament, Burnham said British intelligence assessments indicated the plot was likely directed from Iran and could be linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful Iranian military body.
Tehran has firmly denied the accusation and demanded that Britain provide evidence to support it.
RAF Fairford air base in focus
RAF Fairford, which is used by US strategic bombers, is considered one of Britain’s key military facilities. Several people suspected of terrorism-related offences were arrested near the base in late September, prompting a major counterterrorism operation. The suspects were later released on bail as the investigation continued.
Officials have disclosed little information about the alleged plot. Reports in US media and comments by American officials have pointed to concerns about a possible drone threat to the base.
The base also drew attention earlier this year after US aircraft stationed there took part in operations against Iran.
Britain vows tougher measures
Burnham said efforts would be stepped up to disrupt criminal and intermediary networks allegedly operating on Tehran’s behalf. He also indicated that additional sanctions could be imposed on individuals and organizations linked to the IRGC.
British officials have increased warnings about threats linked to foreign states, including espionage, cyber interference and plots targeting dissidents and others in the country.
A group of Western allies, including the United States, Canada, France and Germany, has backed Britain’s assessment. In a joint statement signed by about 30 countries, the signatories condemned what they described as Iran’s use of covert and hybrid methods, including intimidation, cyber operations and plots abroad.
Britain and Iran have disagreements over sanctions, regional security and Iran’s military activities. Britain has previously said it foiled a number of plots it linked to Iran. Tehran has consistently denied the accusations.
While details of the RAF Fairford case remain limited, the incident has become a fresh point of dispute in strained relations between London and Tehran.
