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Trump says RAF Fairford terror suspects were 'under view for a long time' as police probe possible Iran link

Donald Trump has said the five men arrested near RAF Fairford on Sunday were 'looking to do big damage' and had been 'under view for a long time', as counterterrorism police investigate a possible link to Iran's regime.

By James Calloway · · 2 min read

Donald Trump has said the five men arrested near RAF Fairford on Sunday were “looking to do big damage” and had been “under view for a long time”, as counterterrorism detectives investigate whether the suspected bomb plot is linked to Iran.

The men were arrested in the early hours of Sunday after police received a call at 12.45am about three suspicious vans near the airbase. They were initially held on suspicion of Explosives Act offences and further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act.

Trump praised the response as “an amazing job”, telling reporters: “We had them under investigation… We had them under view for a long time, and we got them.”

The Times reports that counterterrorism detectives are investigating whether the suspects are connected with Tehran’s regime, though police are keeping an open mind and are also exploring the possible involvement of other hostile states or suspects.

Eighty-five households in the village of Whelford were evacuated and a 400-metre cordon remains in place while the Army’s explosive ordnance disposal team examines the vans.

Counter Terrorism Policing’s senior national co-ordinator, Vicki Evans, said: “We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody. As you would expect we are working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned in July that any base used in strikes against the Islamic Republic would be a legitimate target, after Britain authorised the use of Fairford by US bombers hitting Iranian missile sites that had been attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting told a Labour conference fringe event he had spoken to his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, about the incident. Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged the public not to speculate while the investigation continues.

Sources

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