British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has claimed that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is likely responsible for a security incident at RAF Fairford. The incident, which occurred at a U.S.-run military air base in England, was described by Burnham as "almost certainly" directed by the IRGC. This follows previous statements that there are "strong indications" Iran was linked to a suspected terror plot near the base.
Burnham made the remarks during a Monday address, emphasizing that the UK will not tolerate threats. The accusation comes amid heightened tensions between the UK and Iran, with the UK summoning the Iranian ambassador to protest the alleged involvement. The incident is part of a broader context of increased scrutiny on Iran's activities in the region.
This is not the first time Burnham has raised concerns about foreign interference. Earlier in the week, he stated that Russia had interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. The UK government has been under pressure to address perceived threats from foreign actors, particularly in the wake of Brexit-related tensions and ongoing security challenges.
Burnham's claims are based on intelligence assessments, though no formal evidence has been presented. The UK's foreign policy has increasingly focused on countering perceived threats from Iran, especially following the 2020 assassination of a top Iranian general in Baghdad. The current allegations add to a pattern of heightened diplomatic and security tensions between the UK and Iran.
