Iran rejects the British prime minister’s accusations regarding alleged involvement in the incident near RAF Fairford base

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Thursday rejected allegations by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham that Tehran was involved in an alleged foiled terrorist attack near the RAF Fairford military base in south-west England. In a message posted on X, the Iranian official said the British leader was “barking up the wrong tree”.

The reaction came a day after Burnham told the BBC that there were “strong indications” of Iran’s involvement in the incident. It was the first time the British government had publicly pointed to Tehran in connection with the operation, although the British press had reported possible Iranian involvement as early as Sunday.

Araqchi said that the release on bail of individuals suspected of working for foreign states “says it all”, without providing further details. Iran’s embassy in London categorically denied any connection to the incident on Monday.

Five British citizens, aged between 22 and 25, were arrested near Fairford base, which is used jointly with the United States, on suspicion of terrorist offences. They were all subsequently released on bail, and the investigation is ongoing.