As the UK continues to probe the bomb scare at RAF Fairford, an airbase mainly used by the United States, prime minister Andy Burnham has hinted at a possible Iranian link to the incident. The PM;s speculation, however, has drawn a strong and angry reply from Iran.
Speaking to the BBC, Burnham stated there were "strong indications" that Iran played a role in the incident, but did not provide more details.
The newly appointed UK PM added that they are working in close coordination with the United States in the investigation.
"There are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford, but of course it remains an ongoing, complex and serious police investigation," Burnham was quoted as saying.
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Burnham's comments also come after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that the incident "clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor".
“I think it ties us to the reality here, and that is we are dealing with elements in the world, and in the case of Iran, for example, who have openly threatened to attack American interests globally,” Rubio told FOX news.
UK 'barking up the wrong tree', says Iran
{{/usCountry}}“I think it ties us to the reality here, and that is we are dealing with elements in the world, and in the case of Iran, for example, who have openly threatened to attack American interests globally,” Rubio told FOX news.
UK 'barking up the wrong tree', says Iran
{{/usCountry}}In response to Burnham's remarks, Iranian foreign minister denied the allegations and stated Tehran had no role to play.
Taking to X, Abbas Araghchi also stated that London was "barking up the wrong tree."
"PM Burnham says the UK Government "can confirm our belief that we believe Iran to have played a part" in the RAF Fairford incident. I can confirm Iran's belief that releasing supposed terrorists working for foreign states really says it all. You're barking up the wrong tree," he wrote on X.
Araghchi's response also comes after a similar statement was issued by the Iranian Embassy in London earlier this week.
"The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in London categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations published by some British individuals and media outlets attempting to link Iran to arrest of five suspects in the vicinity of RAF Fairford base," read the statement issued by the embassy on X.
The statement added that the circulation of such fabricated speculations "will serve no purpose other than to fuel Iranophobia propaganda in the UK."
"The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to take appropriate legal measures, as necessary, to safeguard the rights and interests of the country and its people in response to misleading and damaging media narratives," the embassy added.
What happened at RAF Fairford?
RAF Fairford serves as the preferred operating base for bomber aircraft in Europe for the US Air Force Global Strike Command. In July, the use of the base by the US for “defensive strikes” against Iran was approved.
Over the weekend, a bomb scare near the air force base led to a sudden evacuation.
Also Read | What to know about ‘major incident’ near UK's RAF air base used by US to hit Iran
Police later arrested five men on suspicion of preparing a terror attack. However, these men were later released on bail after no evidence of explosive devices were found on scene, a move heavily criticized by US President Donald Trump.