UK counter-terrorism police are investigating whether Iran was behind a suspected bomb plot targeting RAF Fairford, a military base in Gloucestershire
used by US forces. Five men have been arrested under the Explosives Act and on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after three suspicious vans were reported travelling towards the base early on Sunday. Police received a call at about 00:45 local time about the vehicles. Armed officers responded and arrested the five men in the nearby Whelford area. The Army's bomb disposal specialists were later sent to examine the vans, while about 85 homes were evacuated as a precaution. Residents were taken to a leisure centre in nearby Cirencester. Gloucestershire Constabulary said a major incident had been declared but that the situation was contained. Possible Iran Connection Investigators are examining several possible motives, including a Russian sabotage operation and an Islamist extremist plot, according to a report by The Telegraph. However, an Iran-linked motive is currently considered the most likely, according to sources cited by the Telegraph. If Tehran were found to be involved, sources suggested it was more likely to have used its own operatives rather than criminal proxies.
Trump comments on the RAF Fairford incident:
"The arrest in the UK was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job.
We had them under investigation.
They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great.
It may have been… pic.twitter.com/REXIBB3F5v— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) September 27, 2026
There is no confirmation from police that Iran was behind the incident.
In July, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened to attack RAF Fairford, saying: "Any base used for aggression against Iranian territory is a legitimate target for us."
RAF Fairford has been used by US aircraft to carry out defensive strikes against Iranian sites during the conflict in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump said the men had been under investigation for some time. "It was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job," he told reporters. "We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great."
"We had them under view for a long time, and we got them. Thank you," he added.
What The Investigation Has Revealed So Far
Police set up roadblocks around Whelford and the air base as the investigation continued. A bomb disposal robot was seen examining three white vans. Two had their rear doors open, with large black objects visible nearby.
One of the vans had "FUEL 2YOU" written on its side in red lettering alongside a telephone number. Fuel2U, a mobile fuel delivery company based in Beaconsfield, said the van was not connected to its business.
Police said the arrests were not part of a pre-planned operation.
A Gloucestershire Constabulary spokesman said: "It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the explosives act. The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles.
"The local residents are being evacuated to a nearby leisure centre. A cordon is currently in place but we’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained. "We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place."
The cordon was later extended towards the village of Kempsford, while military vehicles were used to barricade entrances to the base.
RAF Fairford Under Heightened Security
RAF Fairford, on the Gloucestershire-Wiltshire border, has long been used by the US Air Force as a forward operating location. The base has been on heightened alert in recent days. Following the start of the US-Israel war with Iran on 28 February, roads around the base were closed over what authorities described as safety and access concerns.
Protective screens were also installed along parts of the perimeter fence after the arrival of US bombers attracted plane spotters.
A US Air Force spokesman said: "The 501st combat support wing and our fellow UK-based wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families."
"We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families," he added.
The Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting, thanked emergency crews for their response. "We can be reassured that this is being dealt with and it is exactly why our emergency response teams and Armed Forces are on standby 24/7," he said.
