Dual UK-Iranian National Arrested Over Air Base Security Incident

UK counterterrorism police arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in London on Thursday on suspicion of preparing a terror attack. The arrest follows a security incident Sunday at RAF Fairford, which American bombers have used to strike Iran.

• 5 British nationals in their 20s were arrested Sunday near RAF Fairford on explosives and terror suspicions.
• Police found gasoline in three vans linked to the five; no explosives were found.
• A 26-year-old British national was also questioned under caution Thursday.
• 2 London properties were searched as part of Thursday's operation.

Why it matters: RAF Fairford, 100 miles west of London, has served as a staging base for US bombers in Middle East conflicts, including this year's war with Iran.

• UK officials say Iran-linked proxies have carried out arsons and other attacks in Britain, many targeting the Jewish community.
• Iran denies any involvement in the Fairford incident.

How 24 sources split on this story

Where they split: UK and US officials disagree on whether releasing the original five suspects on bail was appropriate.

What’s next: Senior coordinator Vicki Evans said investigators are pursuing 'multiple lines of inquiry,' including possible foreign state involvement.

• The five men arrested Sunday remain under investigation on bail.
• Whether evidence will directly connect the Thursday arrest to the five suspects detained Sunday.
• What role, if any, Iran's government played versus proxies acting independently.
• Whether UK or US authorities will pursue charges related to foreign state direction of the alleged plot.