Andy Burnham accuses Iran of involvement in the incident at Fairford base

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday that there are strong indications of Iran’s involvement in the incident that occurred over the weekend near the Royal Air Force base in Fairford, in south-west England. The base is used by the U.S. military for defensive operations in the war against Iran.

Police intervened on Saturday night into Sunday morning, following a call reporting three suspicious vehicles near the facility. Five British men, aged between 23 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of violating explosives legislation and preparing a terrorist act.

The suspects were released on bail on Monday, under conditions described by Burnham as “the strictest possible.” Police said that no explosive devices were found in the vans, but a large quantity of gasoline was being transported. The counterterrorism investigation is continuing in cooperation with U.S. authorities.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the incident clearly involves “a foreign actor,” without providing details. Iran categorically denied any connection to the case. The British press reports that the investigation may have been triggered after one of the suspects alerted the police.