UK Police Arrest Dual British-Iranian National in RAF Fairford Terror Probe

British counter-terrorism police have arrested a dual UK-Iranian national in London as part of their investigation into a security incident near RAF Fairford, the Gloucestershire air base that US bombers have used for missions against Iran.

The 25-year-old was detained in the Borough of Westminster on Thursday afternoon on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, Counter Terrorism Policing said. Officers also searched two properties in the area. He has not been charged.

Police initially gave the man's age as 27 and said a second man had been questioned under caution, but later corrected both points, the force and the BBC said.

Investigators weigh foreign involvement

Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry.”

“As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement,” she added.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday there were "strong indications" that Iran played a part in the incident, the BBC reported, though he gave no further details. Tehran has strongly denied any involvement, according to the BBC.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that "the hands of a foreign actor" had clearly been involved, the broadcaster said.

Five earlier suspects remain on bail

The case began in the early hours of Sunday, Sept. 27, when five men in their 20s were arrested near the base after three suspicious vehicles were reported heading towards it. They were held on suspicion of explosives offences and later of preparing a terrorist act, before being released on police bail.

Searches of vans near the site found a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices, police said, according to the BBC. ABC News reported that US President Donald Trump said he would not have released the men.

Diplomatic contact with Tehran

RAF Fairford has served as a forward operating location for the US Air Force for decades. In recent months, US bombers have flown from the base towards the Middle East after Britain approved a US request to use it for what London called defensive strikes on Iran, the BBC reported.

Britain's ambassador to Iran met Iranian foreign ministry officials on Thursday at Tehran's request, the BBC said.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline.