Andy Burnham accuses Iran over incident near RAF Fairford; Tehran demands evidence
Burnham says the plot was likely directed by the IRGC; London summons Iran’s ambassador and imposes asset freezes on two individuals.
British prime minister Andy Burnham has accused Iran of being behind a security incident near RAF Fairford and announced that London will punish individuals linked to the plot, while Tehran has rejected the claims and asked for proof.
Accusations, a summons and new measures
Burnham said the alleged drone plot against the U.S.-used airbase at RAF Fairford was very likely coordinated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In response, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband summoned Iran’s ambassador in London and announced targeted measures, including asset freezes.
The Iranian ambassador in London, Seyed Ali Mousavi, told the Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty that Tehran denies involvement and called on British officials not to make accusations without evidence. Iranian state media reported that Mousavi reiterated Tehran’s willingness to cooperate with relevant authorities from both countries on the investigation.
"We are also announcing sanctions against two Iranian nationals for their role in enabling or carrying out hostile activities on behalf of the Iranian regime, with a clear intent to direct threats, to plan or to carry out attacks overseas", said British minister Ed Miliband.
The sanctions announced by London include asset freezes, travel bans and prohibitions on holding official functions. The measures were applied to Ruholla Bazgandi, described as head of counter‑intelligence in the IRGC, and Shahram Ali Reza Tamarzadeh Jaki, who is said to be linked to the criminal network Zindashi.
Police detained five men — all British nationals from London in their twenties — after a local farmer reported three white vans moving toward RAF Fairford on 27 September. The five were initially released on bail; a sixth man with dual British‑Iranian nationality was arrested later and also released on bail. U.S. officials have signalled they believe a foreign actor was involved, and one week after the arrests the United States removed its B‑1 bombers from RAF Fairford, returning them to their home bases.
The British government says it will continue to press Tehran for evidence and cooperation; Tehran says it has offered to assist, while urging that conclusions not be drawn without proof.
Photo: EPA/NEIL HALL
