UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Monday that last month’s alleged terror plot targeting a British air base was “almost certainly” directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as he announced fresh sanctions against two Iranian men.
Addressing Parliament, Burnham said the UK assessment was that the alleged plot, which led to five arrests on suspicion of terror offenses, was highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran.
“I can confirm our assessment that it is highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran, almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard,” he told MPs.
“We will not tolerate these threats on our soil. We will crack down on Iran’s use of criminal networks, using our full range of powers to target them and their funding streams.
“And we will bring further sanctions to restrict the capacity of Iran and the IRGC to do us harm.”
In late September, a major security incident occurred at RAF Fairford, a Gloucestershire airbase used by the US Air Force. The incident triggered a large-scale counter-terrorism investigation.
Following the incident, the UK government also summoned Iran’s ambassador, warning that it “will not tolerate threats on our soil.”
It has also imposed sanctions on two Iranian men, including an asset freeze, a ban on entering the UK, and disqualification from managing any business in Britain.
Burnham also addressed the escalating situation involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, saying he had discussed the issue with US President Donald Trump last month on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
“In my meeting with President Trump, we discussed the situation in the Middle East. I confirmed Britain’s decision to send air defense and a Voyager aircraft to Saudi Arabia to provide air-to-air refueling support,” he said.
“I can confirm today it has already completed 14 operational missions. This support is needed to protect civilians. I condemn the appalling attacks on the King Khalid International Airport. We will continue to stand with Saudi Arabia against the Houthis,” he added.