FACT CHECK — Updated 29 September 2026
Five men arrested near RAF Fairford over a suspected terrorist plot have now been released on police bail, while investigators continue trying to establish what actually happened.
The men, aged 23, 24, 24, 24 and 25, are all British nationals from London. Police have not released their names or publicly identified their religion, ethnicity or political beliefs.
They were arrested early on Sunday, September 27, after police received reports of three suspicious vehicles close to RAF Fairford. They were initially arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
No viable explosives were found
One of the most significant developments is that a source familiar with the investigation has told Reuters that the three white vans did not contain viable explosives.
That does not mean police believe nothing suspicious occurred. Counter Terrorism Policing says the men remain under investigation and are subject to strict bail conditions restricting their movements and contact with others.
But none of the five has been charged with any offence.
Was Iran behind it?
That remains unproven.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the incident “clearly” involved a foreign actor, but he has not publicly provided evidence supporting that assertion. President Donald Trump has separately suggested the incident “might” be connected to Iran.
British Counter Terrorism Policing has been considerably more cautious.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said investigators are keeping an “open mind” and examining the possibility that people may have been acting, knowingly or unknowingly, on behalf of a foreign state.
Iran has denied involvement.
So what is actually confirmed?
Five British men from London were arrested near RAF Fairford after suspicious activity involving three vehicles.
They were arrested under terrorism and explosives legislation.
No viable explosives have been reported as having been found.
All five have now been released on bail.
Police are still investigating their intentions, their knowledge and whether anybody else was involved. Counter Terrorism Policing
Claims that the men were definitively carrying out an Iranian terror attack, or were members of a particular religious or extremist group, currently go beyond the evidence made public.
VERDICT: INVESTIGATION ONGOING. Many of the most dramatic claims remain unproven.
