25-year-old dual UK–Iranian arrested in Westminster over RAF Fairford probe and later bailed

Counter‑terrorism police arrested a 25‑year‑old man who holds both UK and Iranian nationality in the London borough of Westminster on Thursday in relation to an inquiry concerning an incident near RAF Fairford. The man was later released on bail, British broadcasters reported.

The arrest was made on suspicion of terrorism offences, according to reporting by UK media. Detectives detained the man as part of an investigation into what authorities have described as a suspected plot connected to activity near the Gloucestershire airbase.

Details from police statements have been limited. The Guardian reported that the arrest was made under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 — the provision covering the preparation of terrorist acts — and that officers searched two properties in central London during the operation. Those specific legal and search details were contained in that report.

Sky News said the detained man is the sixth person to be arrested in connection with the inquiry. That count was reported by Sky; other outlets did not provide a matching number in their summaries.

Why it matters

RAF Fairford has been used for military deployments and exercises in the past, and an incident near the base drew fast attention from counter‑terrorism units. National security investigations of this kind typically involve coordination between local police and specialist units; however, police have not, as of these reports, released a full public timeline or detailed account of the alleged plot.

What is known and what is attributed

• Multiple outlets report that a 25‑year‑old dual UK–Iranian national was arrested in Westminster and that the arrest was linked to an inquiry about an incident near RAF Fairford. BBC coverage said the man was later released on bail.
• The Guardian specifically stated the arrest was made under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 and that two central London properties were searched.
• Sky News reported that this arrest represented the sixth person taken into custody in connection with the investigation.

No charges had been publicly confirmed in the reports. The BBC accounts described the suspect being granted bail; other outlets provided fewer details about his legal status following the arrest.

Officers involved in counter‑terrorism operations generally continue investigative work after an initial arrest, which can include further searches and interviews. Authorities have not provided a wider briefing in the reports referenced here, and no court filings or police statements beyond the immediate arrest detail were cited in the available coverage.

As the investigation progresses, official updates from police or prosecuting authorities will be needed to confirm whether charges are brought, to detail the alleged offences and to explain the connection between the arrested individuals and the incident near RAF Fairford.