It started with a farmer noticing three vans parked near a runway. Days later, UK counter-terrorism police have made a seventh arrest, and the country's prime minister is pointing directly at Iran.
How it started
The investigation traces back to a security incident the previous Sunday at RAF Fairford, a western England air base used by US bombers to strike Iran during recent conflict. A local farmer alerted police after spotting men near the base in three vans, according to ABC Australia. Five British men in their 20s were arrested; petrol was found in the vehicles but no explosive device, and all five were released on police bail under strict conditions.
The new arrests
On October 2, a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national was arrested in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. A 26-year-old British man was also questioned under caution. That brings the total number of people arrested or questioned in the investigation to seven.
What officials are saying
Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans said police are "looking at all possible angles -- including possible foreign state involvement." UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham went further, saying authorities "believe Iran to have played a part" in the incident. Iran has summoned the British Ambassador in Tehran over the matter.
What's next
The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not ruled out further arrests. IF Daily will follow developments as the UK and Iran respond.
