U.K. probes suspected Iran or Russia link in foiled plot near U.S. forces : NPR

Key Points:

• Five British men in their 20s were arrested near RAF Fairford, a U.K. base used by U.S. bombers, on explosives and terrorism charges but were released on bail as investigations continue into potential links to Iran, Russia, or militant groups.
• Authorities found no viable explosives in the three vans that triggered the arrests after a local farmer reported suspicious vehicles and men near the base; residents of nearby homes were evacuated but later allowed to return.
• British counterterrorism officials are exploring if the suspects acted as proxies for foreign states, with Iran denying any involvement and condemning speculation about the incident.
• The arrests occurred amid heightened tensions involving hostile states using proxies on U.K. soil, with recent increases in national security cases linked to Iran and Russia, and ongoing concerns about attacks targeting the Jewish community.
• U.S. and U.K. officials emphasized vigilance and cooperation, with the U.S. Air Force maintaining security at RAF Fairford and the U.S. Embassy advising Americans in Britain to stay cautious.