A UK-Iranian dual national, arrested on suspicion of preparing for terrorist acts in connection with an incident at RAF Fairford, has been released on bail. The 25-year-old man was taken into custody in Westminster on Thursday, and searches of two properties in the same area have now concluded.

The arrest follows a major security incident last weekend, during which dozens of homes were evacuated after police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near the airbase in Gloucestershire. Five other men, all UK nationals from London and in their twenties, were also arrested in connection with the incident. They too have since been released on police bail.

Police stated that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding these events is ongoing. The five men, aged between 23 and 25, were initially arrested in the early hours of the morning after vehicles were reported travelling towards the US Air Force (USAF) operated base. They were first arrested on suspicion of explosives offences, and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a Cobra meeting following the arrests. He indicated that there were strong indications of Iranian involvement in the incident, though he did not provide further details. Tehran has vehemently denied any participation, with the Iranian embassy in London issuing a statement that categorically rejects and strongly condemns what it termed unfounded and malicious speculations linking Iran to the incident.

RAF Fairford has a long history of use as a forward operating location by the USAF. In recent months, US bombers have departed from the base for missions in the Middle East, following UK approval for the US to use the site for defensive strikes against Iran. Earlier this year, Iran had stated that any base used for aggression against its territory would be considered a legitimate target.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the events, suggesting that a foreign actor was involved. Speaking on a television program, he stated that the situation clearly involved the hands of a foreign actor, without offering specific evidence or details.

US President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the release of the five arrested men on bail, stating that the US would not have released them. He added that the UK had been working very closely with the US on the matter.

Investigators are continuing their work to understand the full details of the incident at RAF Fairford, with multiple individuals now released on bail as inquiries proceed. The involvement of a dual national adds another layer to the ongoing investigation.