Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday denied a statement by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham that Tehran had a part in a suspected attempted attack on RAF Fairford, a British airfield used by the United States for operations against Iran. The claim was made in the context of an incident that prompted the release of five individuals by UK counter‑terrorism police on bail.
According to Middle East Eye, the UK government asserted that the alleged plot targeted the RAF Fairford base, which serves as a launch point for US air strikes linked to the broader conflict with Iran. The British authorities have not disclosed further details about the nature of the suspected attack or the identities of the five persons released.
In a post on the social media platform X, Araghchi responded to the British allegation, stating, "I can confirm Iran's belief that releasing supposed terrorists working for foreign states really says it all," and added, "You're barking up the wrong tree." He framed the release of the suspects as evidence that the accusations were misguided.
The exchange comes amid heightened diplomatic friction between Tehran and Western capitals over the United States' military activities in the region. RAF Fairford has been repeatedly cited by Western officials as a strategic site for operations aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear and missile programmes, a stance that Iran has consistently rejected.
No additional evidence has been presented publicly to substantiate the UK claim, and Iranian officials have reiterated their denial of any involvement. Both sides appear poised to maintain their respective narratives as the situation develops.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/irans-araghchi-rejects-uk-claim-tehrans-role-airbase-incident.