Iran has summoned the British ambassador to Tehran after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” that Iran was involved in an incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi summoned British Ambassador Hugo Shorter on Thursday and protested what Tehran described as Britain’s continued hostile approach towards Iran, according to Iran’s WANA news agency.
Burnham told the BBC that there were “strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford”.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the allegation, saying Burnham was “barking up the wrong tree”.
Iran Demands UK Explanation
Takht-Ravanchi called on the British government to provide an official explanation for the allegations and objected to what Iran described as an “inappropriate” approach towards Tehran.
He also accused Britain of bearing responsibility for military actions against Iran, pointing to the use of British bases and facilities in operations involving the US and Israel.
Iran has previously criticised Britain for allowing the US to use facilities under British jurisdiction for military operations in the region.
Takht-Ravanchi argued that Britain’s claims about an alleged sabotage attempt at Fairford should not, from Tehran’s perspective, divert attention from what Iran considers Britain’s role in military action against the country.
What Happened At RAF Fairford?
Five British men were arrested near RAF Fairford on September 27 over a suspected plot targeting the military base, which is used by US bombers.
The men were subsequently released but remained under investigation, according to the report.
British authorities have not publicly established that Iran was behind the alleged plot.
The incident has nevertheless triggered a diplomatic dispute between London and Tehran, with Iran rejecting any suggestion of involvement and demanding clarification from the British government.
RAF Fairford is a US Air Force operating base in Gloucestershire and has been used for long-range bomber deployments.
The latest dispute comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western countries over military operations and Tehran’s regional activities.