UK Prime Minister Burnham Says IRGC Almost Certainly Directed RAF Fairford Plot

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed in the House of Commons on 12 October 2026 that UK assessments attribute a suspected plot against RAF Fairford to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The base in Gloucestershire had hosted US B-1 strategic bombers used in strikes related to the Iran conflict. On 27 September, police arrested five men in their 20s near the base after a report of suspicious vehicles. Additional arrests brought the total to seven. All have been released on bail. No charges have been filed. Detectives found petrol in seized vans but no viable explosives.

Burnham stated: "I can confirm our assessment that it is highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran, almost certainly directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard." He added that Britain would not tolerate such threats and would use powers against criminal networks and funding streams, including further sanctions.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the Iranian ambassador was summoned. The UK designated two Iranian nationals linked to IRGC counterespionage and facilitation of plots against dissidents.

The United States withdrew its B-1 bombers from Fairford on 4 October after intelligence pointed to a possible drone attack. Pentagon officials confirmed all deployed bombers returned to US bases. The base had supported operations against Iran.

Iran rejected the claims. Ambassador Seyed Ali Mousavi told IRNA that Tehran categorically denies involvement and called the allegations unfounded. Iranian state media described them as malicious speculation and demanded evidence.

The incident forms part of wider tensions. Houthi forces aligned with Iran have struck Saudi airports, including multiple hits on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport that killed more than a dozen people and wounded hundreds. Saudi authorities reported the deadliest such attack in over a decade.

US and UK statements note that the Fairford assessment demonstrates IRGC willingness to project activity through covert networks. British police continue the investigation. Counter Terrorism Policing has said it examines all angles.

The base's role in supporting US strikes made it a high-value target. The rapid withdrawal of bombers reduced the immediate risk but highlighted vulnerabilities in forward deployment during the conflict. No further incidents at the site have been reported since the September arrests.

Burnham's statement is the first official UK attribution of the plot to the IRGC. It comes amid ongoing military operations linked to Iran and allied groups across the region. Officials have not released classified details supporting the assessment.