Iran Denies Involvement in UK Airbase Terror Plot: "You Are Barking Up the Wrong Tree"

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly refuted the UK government's claim that Iran was involved in the alleged terror plot at RAF Fairford in England.

Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On October 1 (local time), Minister Araghchi stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), directly addressing UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, "You are barking up the wrong tree."

He further argued, "The release of terrorists suspected of working for foreign powers says it all," apparently referring to the five men who had been arrested near the Fairford airbase on terror conspiracy charges on September 27 but were subsequently released on bail.

Earlier, Prime Minister Burnham stated in a BBC interview regarding the incident near RAF Fairford that "there is strong evidence of Iranian involvement." However, he did not present specific evidence, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

On September 27, five men were arrested near the Fairford airbase, which is also used by the US military, on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism and offenses related to explosives. Police found gasoline in their vehicle but reported that no explosives were found. The men have since been released on bail, and the investigation continues.

Meanwhile, a full-scale investigation has begun into the Flydubai passenger jet incident, where Iranian involvement had also been suggested. According to the Associated Press and other sources, the UAE Attorney General has ordered an investigation into the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, which made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Since the aircraft is registered in the UAE, the country asserts jurisdiction even though the incident occurred abroad.

The aircraft made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia the previous day after the Omani national first officer wielded a weapon during flight. The first officer is currently being investigated by Saudi authorities, but the motive for the crime has yet to be determined. Investigators are also probing for any connections to specific armed groups, whether the act was premeditated, or if there was external direction involved.

Israeli investigators are also scheduled to join the local investigation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and agreed to Israeli participation in the probe.

Prime Minister Netanyahu maintained a cautious stance when asked whether Iran was involved in the incident, saying, "It is too early to say."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.