After ten days of silence, speculation, and conflicting reports, suspicions are mounting about a Tehran-linked plot behind the alleged foiled sabotage attempt on Sunday at the British RAF Fairford airbase, used by US bombers in the conflict with the Islamic Republic.
This theory is gaining traction following the recent arrest by anti-terrorism forces of a 27-year-old with dual British and Iranian citizenship. The man, apprehended in Westminster, central London, is suspected of "preparing a terrorist attack" under Article 5 of the 2006 Terrorism Act. At the same time, another 26-year-old British citizen has reportedly been questioned.
Meanwhile, five other British individuals, aged between 23 and 25, who were detained near three white vans discovered on Sunday night close to the Fairford military base in Gloucestershire, southern England, remain free but are under investigation and subject to specific restrictive measures. They were all released on bail within 24 hours of their arrest.
According to Vicky Evans, national coordinator for counter-terrorism at Scotland Yard, "The investigation into the circumstances in Gloucestershire is highly complex, and our specialist teams are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry," emphasizing that "all possible investigative angles, including potential foreign state involvement, are being explored." Scotland Yard advises caution against speculation, thanking "the public for their patience."
However, questions persist, especially since no explosives were found in the three vans stopped.
The US administration, particularly through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was quick to openly accuse Tehran of a supposed plot. Recently, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also spoke of "strong indications" regarding a potential Iranian "role."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also weighed in, claiming that his country's intelligence had warned the British of a possible hostile action sponsored by Iran, even a day before the incident. Tehran, however, categorically denies these accusations as instrumental, conspiratorial, and entirely "unfounded." Today, the British ambassador, Hugo Shorter, was summoned, with Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi criticizing the UK's "destructive approach" towards Iran, also referencing London's "logistical complicity" with US and Israeli military actions against Iran.
(Associated Medias) - Tutti i diritti sono riservati