Iran has denied any connection to a suspected bomb plot near RAF Fairford, a British air base used by U.S. bombers in the war against Tehran, after five British men were arrested near the base.

The Iranian Embassy in London called suggestions of Tehran’s involvement “unfounded and malicious speculation” intended to fuel “Iranophobia.” British counterterrorism police are investigating a possible Iran link but have not established a motive.

The arrests followed a call from a local farmer who spotted three white vans blocking a road in the village of Whelford early Sunday. She said she also saw a group of masked men run toward nearby fields. Armed officers responded, and five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

Bomb disposal teams have been examining the vans, and about 85 nearby households were evacuated as a precaution. At least one van displayed the name of fuel company Fuel2U, which said the vehicle had no connection to its business. The phone number printed on it was missing a digit.

President Trump said the suspects had been under U.S. and British surveillance for some time. The farmer questioned that account, saying her emergency call appeared to have prompted the response and that no official had contacted her afterward. British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting thanked her for raising the alarm but said she had only a “partial picture” of the operation.

Iran warned in July that bases used to launch attacks on its territory could be considered targets. British investigators have made no finding that Tehran directed the suspected plot.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)