Handler who police believe worked for Iran 'ordered men to drive petrol-filled vans to RAF Fairford', court hears
Five terror suspects arrested near RAF Fairford on 28 September 2026, as a Metropolitan Police investigation — reportedly linked to Iran — led to charges against two Westminster men under the National Security Act 2023.
Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, and Nouman Essghir, 24, both from Westminster, London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday charged under the National Security Act 2023, as prosecutors revealed the men believed they were taking part in a legitimate business venture until the bomb warning came. Abdulkarim is accused of buying the vans used in the plot on 'Ali's' instructions, while Essghir is charged with filming RAF Fairford on a video call with the handler a month before the September 27 incident. The case moves to the Old Bailey on 20 November.
'Ali' is also potentially linked to a fake chemical-weapon attack video posted outside the Israeli embassy earlier this year.
Counter-terrorism chief Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor defended bailing the five men initially arrested, saying the decision led to 'swifter progress, better evidence' and ultimately the charges.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the plot was 'almost certainly' directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard; the US subsequently withdrew its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford on security grounds.
