Two men have been re-arrested by counter-terrorism police on suspicion of assisting Iran's intelligence services in connection with an incident near RAF Fairford last month. A 24-year-old UK national and a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national are being held under Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.

The investigation is understood to relate to Iran, following an alert about three suspicious vehicles near the US airbase in Gloucestershire in the early hours of September 27. The incident led to a major alert, the deployment of a bomb disposal team, and the evacuation of dozens of homes. Petrol was discovered in three vans near the base, and five men were initially arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and later for preparation of a terrorist act.

Police have since stated that no improvised explosive devices were found. The two men re-arrested were initially detained on September 27 near the base and on October 1 in Westminster, respectively. They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. The other five men arrested as part of the ongoing investigation, including a 22-year-old British national arrested in Westminster on October 6, remain on police bail.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, described the investigation as "very much a live investigation" and stated that evidence gathering continues. He added that it remains "highly likely that there is Iranian state involvement" and that investigators are examining the extent and ambition of this involvement. Taylor emphasized that national security investigations are often complex and time-consuming due to their sensitive nature.

Days after the initial incident, Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated strong indications of Iranian involvement, though he did not provide specific details at the time. Iran has consistently denied any role in such matters. RAF Fairford has a history of being used by the US Air Force as a forward operating location.

In recent months, the US has deployed B-1 and B-52 bombers from the base to the Middle East, following UK approval for Fairford to be used for defensive strikes against Iran. In the week following the September 27 incident, the US confirmed it had withdrawn its bombers from the base, citing "threats to the base" without elaboration. Vice-President JD Vance stated the withdrawal was a "precautionary measure."

The ongoing investigation involves multiple lines of inquiry, with specialist teams working to address the complexities of the case. The re-arrests highlight the sensitive nature of the probe and the potential implications for international relations and national security.

Questions remain regarding the full scope of alleged Iranian involvement and the specific actions that prompted the counter-terrorism police response. The investigation is expected to continue for some time as authorities gather further evidence and assess the findings.