Iran rejects Burnham’s claim of Iranian link to RAF Fairford incident

Iran has denied involvement in a suspected terrorism incident near RAF Fairford, after Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” it had played a part. The exchange matters because investigators are examining possible links to Iran while the base has been used by US bombers launching strikes against the country.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Burnham of “barking up the wrong tree” and criticised the suspects’ release on bail; Burnham said they were subject to strict conditions and the police investigation remained serious and ongoing. Five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism, then bailed on Monday. Investigators have also focused on vans bearing apparently fake “Fuel 2You” branding, including a phone number formatted in a way some observers associated with Iran, though the embassy has denied any involvement.