UK says Iran may be linked to suspected airbase plot

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London: Britain says there are 'strong indications' that Iran may have been involved in a suspected security incident near RAF Fairford, a military base used by US forces, but Tehran has rejected the allegation.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the investigation into the incident was continuing and that Britain was working closely with the United States. Five British men in their 20s were arrested near the base on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences. They were later released on bail.

Police found a quantity of petrol in vehicles linked to the suspects but no explosives. Counter-terrorism officials are also examining whether the men may have been acting for a foreign state, either knowingly or unknowingly.

Iran has strongly denied any connection to the incident. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the British claim and said Tehran had been wrongly linked to the case.

RAF Fairford, about 160km west of London, has been used by US bombers involved in military operations against Iran. The investigation into what the suspects were planning and whether any foreign state was involved remains ongoing.