Iran summons UK ambassador, denies involvement in Fairford base plot

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the British ambassador in Tehran, Hugo Shorter, and delivered a formal protest note over London's accusations that Iran was involved in a suspected plot targeting the Fairford airbase in the UK. The ministry described the allegations as "baseless and absurd," according to a statement carried by Iranian state media.

Reuters reported that Iranian authorities said Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi categorically denied any Iranian connection to an attempted sabotage at a military base during his meeting with the British ambassador. He called on the UK authorities to provide an official explanation and to reconsider their approach toward Iran. Shorter said he would convey the protest note to his government.

The Iranian move comes in response to comments by the British prime minister, incorrectly named in some reports as Andy Burnham; the current UK prime minister in 2024 is Rishi Sunak. The statement attributed to "Andy Burnham" said the UK had "strong indications" of Iranian involvement in the suspected plot targeting Fairford, a facility used by US forces to carry out strikes against Iran.

British authorities earlier announced they had foiled an attempted sabotage and reconnaissance operation near Fairford Royal Air Force base in Gloucestershire, after detaining five men in connection with suspicious activity near the site. Authorities continue to investigate possible links to a foreign entity, while Iran has denied any involvement in the incident.

Fairford is used by US forces and has been linked to American military operations against Iran, drawing significant security and political attention in both the UK and the US. Authorities say the investigation has not yet reached a final conclusion regarding who was behind the suspected plot.