Iran-Linked Plot: Two Men Charged Over RAF Fairford Threat

Two London men face national security charges after police uncovered a suspected Iranian plot against RAF Fairford, a U.S.-operated airbase in western England. The Crown Prosecution Service announced the charges on Tuesday, identifying the suspects as Mohmed Abdulkarim, a British-Iranian dual national, and Nouman Essghir, a British citizen. Both men are 24 years old and were charged under the National Security Act. They were scheduled to appear in court later that day.

Abdulkarim is accused of assisting Iran's intelligence service. Essghir faces a charge of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the United Kingdom. The base served as a launch point for American bombers during this year's conflict with Iran. Essghir was arrested outside the facility on Sept. 27, triggering a rapid response by armed police and army bomb-disposal units. Authorities evacuated scores of local residents while searching the rural area for explosives.

Investigators discovered gasoline, an accelerant, in vans at the scene but found no explosives. Essghir was initially released on bail before being re-arrested last week. Abdulkarim was detained within the same timeframe. Six other men have also been arrested and released on bail as the investigation continues. British authorities have linked the incident to Tehran, prompting the United States to withdraw its bombers from the base.

U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated the plot was "almost certainly" directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Iran has denied involvement, though it has previously declared any base used to attack its territory a legitimate target. Ken McCallum, head of the U.K.'s domestic security service, said Tehran is expanding its attacks in Britain beyond traditional targets such as opposition groups. He noted that more than 50 people have been arrested in connection with Iran-linked plots in the past year.

Laurence Taylor, the head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said authorities have observed a range of incidents in recent months that they believe were directed by the Iranian state. Taylor stated that security agencies are working together to intervene, identify, and respond to that threat. U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued public statements suggesting Iranian involvement at some level. The U.S. removed several B-1 bombers from Fairford several days after the initial incident.

The charges mark a formal legal step in a case that has heightened security concerns at U.S. military installations in Europe. The investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare for the upcoming court proceedings.