Netanyahu says Israel warned UK of ‘Iranian-sponsored’ plot

A 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national, the sixth person detained in the investigation into a suspected terrorist plot at RAF Fairford, has been released on bail, UK counter-terrorism police said. The man was arrested Thursday in the borough of Westminster on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. The investigation into the incident is still under way, counter-terrorism police said.

Searches of two Westminster properties connected to the inquiry have concluded.

The investigation began after three suspicious vans were spotted near RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base in Gloucestershire. Last weekend, five British nationals, all in their mid-20s, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism, then bailed. Counter-terrorism police said a quantity of petrol, but no explosive devices, was found in the vans that prompted the security alert.

Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, characterized the investigation as “hugely complex” and said specialist teams were “interrogating multiple lines of inquiry.” She added: “As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” that Iran played a part in the incident near the Gloucestershire base.

RAF Fairford has been used in recent months by US bombers after former Prime Minister Keir Starmer granted Washington permission to use British bases for “defensive” strikes against Tehran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel had handed British authorities intelligence about the suspected plot. Netanyahu said Israel warned UK officials of the “Iranian-sponsored attack” shortly before Britain announced a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

The investigation remains active. No charges have been announced against any of the six individuals detained in connection with the alleged plot.