UK Sanctions 2 Iranians Over RAF Fairford Plot, Blaming IRGC
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Oct 12
UK Sanctions 2 Iranians Over RAF Fairford Plot, Blaming IRGC
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Oct 12
Summary
Two Iranians were sanctioned by Britain after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said a suspected September 27 plot against RAF Fairford was “almost certainly” directed by Iran’s IRGC.
Five British men arrested near the base were found with petrol in three vans but no explosives; none has been charged, and two later suspects, including a British-Iranian man, were also released.
Ruhollah Bazghandi, identified as the IRGC’s counterespionage chief, and Shahram Ali Reza Tamarzadeh Jakki, linked to the sanctioned Zindashti network, now face asset freezes, travel bans and other restrictions.
Iran rejected the accusations as unfounded, with Ambassador Ali Mousavi telling London Tehran had no role and was willing to cooperate with the investigation.
RAF Fairford, 160km west of London, is a key US bomber hub; Britain also joined 28 other countries in condemning what they called Iran’s violent plots and hybrid attacks abroad.