UK PM Burnham says Iran's IRGC likely behind RAF Fairford incident - Reuters

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Monday that a suspected plot targeting the Royal Air Force base at Fairford was “highly likely” to have been coordinated in Iran and “almost certainly” directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The statement came after authorities identified a potential threat aimed at the RAF Fairford air base, a key facility for the United Kingdom’s air defence and a regular host for United States and NATO aircraft. Details of the alleged plot have not been disclosed, but officials indicated that the investigation pointed to external involvement.

Burnham emphasized that the intelligence assessment linked the planning of the incident to actors operating out of Iran, with the IRGC identified as the principal orchestrator. He added that the UK government was working closely with international partners to address the security implications of the alleged operation.

The prime minister’s remarks underscored the seriousness with which the British government is treating the threat and signalled a willingness to confront any hostile actions directed against its military infrastructure. No arrests or specific charges have been reported at this stage.

The incident has prompted heightened security measures at RAF Fairford and other critical sites, while diplomatic channels are reportedly being used to convey the UK’s concerns to Tehran. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.