British authorities have charged two men with serious national security offenses following an investigation into a suspected Iranian-linked terror plot targeting RAF Fairford, an air base in western England utilized by the United States military. The U.K. Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced the charges on Tuesday, detailing a case that has already impacted U.S. military operations in the region.
Mohmed Abdulkarim and Nouman Essghir, both 24-year-old British nationals residing in London, were charged under the 2023 National Security Act. Abdulkarim faces charges of assisting a foreign intelligence service and engaging in conduct likely to provide material assistance to a foreign intelligence service in U.K.-related activities. Essghir is charged with a national security offense related to his presence near a prohibited place, with prosecutors alleging his conduct was prejudicial to the safety and interests of the United Kingdom.
The arrests followed an incident on September 27 near the Fairford air base, which serves as a strategic hub for U.S. long-range bombers. Local residents in a nearby town were forced to evacuate their homes as armed police and bomb-disposal experts cordoned off the area. While no explosives were recovered, investigators found gasoline stored in three vans that had been driven by suspects and parked near an entrance to the facility. An image verified from the scene appeared to show five individuals being taken into custody in the village of Whelford, located less than half a mile from the base.
In response to the security breach, the U.S. Air Force removed all of its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford. The base has historically been a critical launch point for U.S. strikes, including previous operations directed at the Islamic Republic. U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the government believes Iran played a role in the incident at the base.
Iranian officials have previously asserted that any military bases used to launch attacks against their country would be viewed as legitimate targets. However, the Iranian Embassy in London issued a statement categorically rejecting any links to the Fairford incident, characterizing the allegations as unfounded and malicious speculation.
While Abdulkarim and Essghir have been formally charged, the broader investigation remains active. Six other men remain free on bail, including four U.K. nationals in their 20s who were detained during the initial police response in September. A 25-year-old dual British-Iranian national, who was arrested on October 1, is also among those released on bail while counter-terrorism officers continue their inquiries. Police confirmed that those on bail will continue to be monitored as the investigation into the suspected terror plot proceeds.
