UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said that Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) almost certainly directed an alleged terror plot targeting a British air base, as he announced fresh sanctions against two Iranian men and pledged further action against threats to UK security.
Addressing Parliament on Monday, Burnham said the government believed the alleged plot, which led to five arrests on suspicion of terrorism offences, was highly likely to have been coordinated from Iran.
“I can confirm our assessment that it is highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran, almost certainly directed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard,” he told MPs.
“We will not tolerate these threats on our soil. We will crack down on Iran’s use of criminal networks, using our full range of powers to target them and their funding streams,” Burnham said, adding that further sanctions would seek to restrict Iran’s and the IRGC’s capacity to threaten the UK.
Sanctions follow investigation into RAF Fairford incident
The alleged plot came to light after a major security incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in late September. The air base is used by the US Air Force, and the incident prompted a large-scale counter-terrorism investigation.
Following the incident, the British government summoned Iran’s ambassador, warning Tehran that it would not tolerate threats on UK soil.
London has also imposed sanctions on two Iranian men, including asset freezes, bans on entering the UK and disqualification from managing businesses in Britain.
The measures form part of the government’s response to what Burnham described as the use of criminal networks to threaten British security. The allegations concerning Iranian involvement were presented as the UK government’s assessment.
UK confirms air defence support for Saudi Arabia
Burnham also addressed rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi militia, saying he had discussed the regional situation with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month.
He said Britain had sent air defence support and a Voyager aircraft to Saudi Arabia to provide air-to-air refuelling.
“I can confirm today it has already completed 14 operational missions. This support is needed to protect civilians,” Burnham told Parliament.
He condemned attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and reaffirmed Britain’s backing for Saudi Arabia amid the escalating confrontation with the Houthis.
“We will continue to stand with Saudi Arabia against the Houthis,” he said.
The announcements highlight Britain’s parallel security priorities: responding to alleged threats linked by its government to Iran and supporting regional partners facing attacks on civilian infrastructure.
