Iran is believed to have directed low-level criminals in a crude arson plot against RAF Fairford, police say

From the Newshound archive · first published 10 October 2026 · last updated 11 October 2026.

Counter-terrorism detectives now believe the suspected bomb plot against RAF Fairford was orchestrated by a Middle East-based recruiter directing low-level criminals in Britain. Seven men have been arrested after three suspicious vehicles pulled up outside the Gloucestershire base in the early hours of September 27. A Brit-Iranian dual national was arrested in London on October 1, and a 22-year-old British man was arrested in the capital days later. President Trump has since pulled all American bombers from the base over fears of an Iranian drone attack.

Detectives are examining links to firebombing attacks against Jewish Londoners earlier this year, allegedly directed from a bunker in Iraq.

Mohammad al-Saadi, 33, is accused of conspiring to support Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps by hiring British proxies and directing them via FaceTime calls.

A local farmer first raised the alarm by calling 999 after spotting three suspicious vehicles near the base in the early hours.