Two charged over alleged plot to assist Iran in RAF Fairford incident

October 27, 2026

Two British men from Westminster have been charged with offenses related to assisting Iranian intelligence services following a major security incident at RAF Fairford in September. The charges stem from an investigation into suspicious activity near the US-operated airbase, where three vans containing petrol were discovered, leading to evacuations and a significant police response. The men face charges under the National Security Act, with one accused of assisting foreign intelligence and the other of unlawfully entering a restricted military area in August.

Who is affected

Mohmed Ahmad Abdulkarim, 24, from Westminster (charged with assisting foreign intelligence)
Nouman Essghir, 24, from Westminster (charged with entering a prohibited place)
A 25-year-old UK-Iranian national (released without charge but remains on police bail)
Three other men arrested near RAF Fairford (released on police bail)
Dozens of residents near RAF Fairford (evacuated during the incident)
US Air Force personnel at RAF Fairford
UK counter-terror police and investigators

What action is being taken

Counter-terror police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the RAF Fairford incident that has resulted in eight total arrests. The two charged individuals will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. Several suspects remain on police bail as the investigation continues.

Why it matters

This case represents a serious national security concern involving alleged foreign intelligence operations on UK soil targeting critical military infrastructure. RAF Fairford serves as a strategic US Air Force operating base, and the incident has already impacted military operations, with the US withdrawing B-52 and B-1 bombers from the facility. The case highlights escalating tensions with Iran and raises questions about the security of joint UK-US military installations during a period when the base was being used for potential defensive strikes against Iran.

What's next

The two charged men will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. Several other suspects remain on police bail while the counter-terror investigation continues.

Read full article from source: BBC