Western intelligence agencies warned nearly two weeks before the RAF Fairford incident of a possible attack backed by Iran, the New York Times reported, citing officials. US and British officials believe the incident was connected to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps or another Iranian military command. Intercepted communications and other intelligence exposed the suspected plot against the British base used by US bombers for operations against Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Daily Mail that Israeli intelligence gave Britain advance information that helped prevent what he described as a planned “murderous attack” backed by Iran. He accused the British government of “appeasement” despite continued intelligence cooperation. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the investigation was pursuing several leads and Britain would deliver an appropriate response after reaching confirmed conclusions, the Telegraph reported.

All six men arrested in the inquiry are on bail and remain under investigation. Police recovered petrol from three vehicles but found no improvised explosive devices. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has cited “strong indications that Iran played a part,” while stressing that the investigation remains ongoing. Iran denies involvement. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pointed to the suspects’ release in rejecting the allegation, saying, “You're barking up the wrong tree.”