Iran challenges UK to prove IRGC role in RAF Fairford plot as 29 nations back Britain

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Monday dismissed British allegations that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps orchestrated a suspected plot against RAF Fairford, demanding London produce evidence. Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Parliament the operation was "highly likely" coordinated in Iran and "almost certainly" directed by the IRGC, a significant escalation from his September 30 statement citing only "solid indications."

Iran's ambassador to Britain, Seyed Ali Mousavi, categorically rejected the claims but signaled Tehran's willingness to cooperate with the investigation. The diplomatic row deepened as the UK imposed asset freezes and travel bans on IRGC counter-intelligence chief Ruhollah Bazghandi and Zindashti network facilitator Shahram Ali Reza Tamarzadeh Jakki, with Burnham promising further sanctions.

“The suspected plot was "highly likely" to have been coordinated in Iran and "almost certainly" directed by the IRGC.”

The investigation began September 27 when counter-terrorism police arrested five men near the Gloucestershire base after spotting three suspicious vans. Two additional men were later detained. All seven have been released on bail without charges; police found petrol in associated vehicles but no viable explosives.

A joint statement from 29 countries — including the United States, Spain, France, and Germany — endorsed Britain's attribution of the plot to Iran. The ministers condemned alleged Iranian violent attacks, arson, sabotage, and cyber operations on their territories, though the statement did not issue an independent accusation.