All six men arrested in connection with the suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire have been released on police bail, counter-terrorism officers confirmed on Saturday morning. The dual UK-Iranian national detained in Westminster on Thursday — the sixth and final arrest in the investigation — was released after searches of two London properties concluded, police said.
What Happened
The investigation began in the early hours of Sunday 27 September, when a local farmer called 999 after spotting three vans travelling towards RAF Fairford, near Cirencester. Armed officers stopped the vehicles in the nearby village of Whelford and arrested five British men, all in their mid-20s and from London, on suspicion of explosives offences and preparation of a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
A major incident was declared. Army explosive ordnance disposal teams examined the vehicles within a 400-metre cordon while around 85 households were evacuated from their homes. No explosive devices were found — only a quantity of petrol was recovered from the vans. The cordon was lifted earlier this week, allowing residents to return.
On Thursday 1 October, counter-terrorism officers arrested a sixth man — a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national — in the London Borough of Westminster on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. He was released on bail on Saturday morning after searches of two Westminster properties were completed.
Iran Link Under Investigation
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said this week there are “strong indications” that Iran played a part in the incident, though he did not disclose the basis for that assessment. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi rejected the claims as “false and ridiculous”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu separately claimed that Israel shared intelligence with the UK about the plot before the arrests were made. US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been “looking to do big damage” at the airbase, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to “the hands of a foreign actor” in the incident.
Senior Counter Terrorism Policing national co-ordinator Vicki Evans said the inquiry was “hugely complex”, with specialist teams “interrogating multiple lines of inquiry” including whether a foreign state was involved.
Background: Why RAF Fairford Matters
RAF Fairford, located on the Gloucestershire–Wiltshire border near Cirencester, is one of the UK’s most strategically significant military airfields. It hosts the US Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing and has been used since earlier in 2026 as a launch site for US bomber operations in the Middle East, after then Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer granted permission for “defensive” strikes against Iranian targets from UK bases.
The base has been at elevated threat level Delta — the highest level the US Department of Defence can issue — since the incident last weekend. RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk remains on Charlie alert, the second-highest level.
What Happens Next
All six men remain on police bail under conditions described as “stringent”, covering their movement and contact with others. Counter Terrorism Policing said the investigation is ongoing and further arrests remain possible as specialist teams continue to gather and assess evidence.
Gloucestershire Police have said they continue to work with counter-terrorism colleagues to keep communities in the area safe. Residents near the airbase have been assured there is no ongoing threat to the public.
This is a developing story. Cheltenham Times will update as further details emerge.
