+34
British counter-terrorism police detained a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. The arrest follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham's statement indicating strong evidence of Iranian involvement in suspicious activities near RAF Fairford, an airbase used by the US for missions against Iran. US officials have also suggested a foreign actor is involved, and the UK government is collaborating closely with the United States on the ongoing investigation.
British counter-terrorism police arrested a dual UK- Iran ian national on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, amid an investigation into suspicious activity near an air base, which Britain has said may have had Iran ian involvement.
The 27-year-old man was arrested in the borough of Westminster, London, the police said. The arrest comes after UK prime minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” that Iran played a role in events in which five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Speaking to the media at the end of the Labour party conference in Liverpool, Burnham said he could not give any more details amid a police investigation, but that Iran was believed to be involved. On Tuesday, Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said Washington believed “a foreign actor” was involved in the events on Sunday night at the airbase, which has been used by US planes for missions against Iran.
In an interview with BBC News, Burnham said: “There are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford, but of course it remains an ongoing, complex, and serious police investigation.
“And of course, we are working closely with our colleagues in the United States of America. So it’s ongoing. ” Noting that he had held a meeting of the government’s Cobra emergency committee while in Liverpool, Burnham said: “We are on top of it in every possible way imaginable. ” He added: “We will say more in due course, but we can confirm our belief that we believe Iran to have played a part.
” Asked why he believed this, Burnham replied: “Well I can’t go into all of those details, but obviously I wouldn’t say it lightly. ” In a separate interview with Sky News, Burnham was asked if he needed to recall parliament, which is in recess for the party conference season. He replied: “At this stage there is not an urgent need to do that, but should that arise, of course, I wouldn’t hesitate.
” The five men, all in their 20s and from London, were arrested in the Gloucestershire countryside near the airbase after a local woman driving home saw a series of vans and men in masks, and called police. They were first arrested on explosives charges and then later for preparing acts of terrorism.
All five were released on police bail on Monday after an examination of what was found in the vans, and searches of addresses linked to them across London. The decision to release the men has prompted criticism from the Trump administration, with Rubio saying he was “disturbed” by it. Questioned by the BBC about US criticism of the bail decision, Burnham said this had happened only with very strict conditions.
He said: “I think people need to understand that when it says released, that isn’t as people might think. It’s obviously with the strictest possible bail conditions. We’ve been talking to counterparts in the United States all week to explain what is happening here, how things are being done. I have complete confidence in the way British security services are handling this.
” It emerged on Tuesday that one of the five men arrested called the police to report the incident. The local woman who also phoned police subsequently told newspapers that she was alarmed the men had been allowed to get so close to the airbase without apparently being noticed.
However, UK officials and Wes Streeting, the UK defence secretary, have indicated that security services were aware in advance of what was happening. A statement from Britain’s head of counter-terrorism police hinted that officers swooped on the rural location for several reasons.
Assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “A police response was activated in the early hours of Sunday morning due to a range of information received, including a call from a member of the public about several vehicles acting suspiciously close to RAF Fairford. ” - Guardian
UK Terrorism Iran RAF Fairford Counter-Terrorism National Security
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Leinster's O'Tighearnaigh Balances Rugby and MedicineConor O'Tighearnaigh, a Leinster rugby player, is returning to medical school while juggling rigorous training and competitive play. He currently balances hospital placement at St Vincent's with rugby commitments, and faces the challenge of overseas tours while completing his degree. The article details his training schedule, professional growth, past injury management, and leadership role during the season's key matches. It highlights the depth of Leinster's second row and outlines his preparation for upcoming games against the Sharks, underscoring the demanding but rewarding dual career path.
Read more »
Five Men Arrested Near RAF Fairford in Possible Iran‑Backed Terror PlotFive British nationals were seized near RAF Fairford after police received a 999 call. Investigation reveals petrol barrels, no bombs, and a complex link to potential Iranian involvement. Bail decision and evacuations highlight the tension between swift police action and judicial caution.
Read more »
Global bond yields surge amid oil shock and geopolitical tensions, triggering widespread market volatilityA sharp rise in global bond yields, driven by an oil price spike and fears of a prolonged flight to quality, has pushed US, UK and French government yields to their highest levels in nearly 25 years. The surge has jolted equity markets, widened credit spreads and sent shockwaves through Asian markets. Analysts warn that the current volatility could spill over into corporate borrowing costs and fuel inflationary pressures as the market grapples with the Iran conflict‑driven energy shock and expectations of higher U.S. rates.
Read more »
Ireland's Inflation Surges to Three‑Year High Amid Rising Energy Costs and Geopolitical TensionsIreland's September inflation hit 3.9%, driven by a 2.9% rise in energy prices, following geopolitical tension over Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The surge in fuel costs impacts motorists and signals a delayed rise in food prices. Economic experts warn that the winter months could see higher energy demand, sustaining the inflationary pressure and eventually pushing food price inflation higher. Global context and national policy implications are examined.
Read more »