Symbolic imageSeventh arrest over Fairford plot as US and UK differ on the threat
Police arrested a 22-year-old British man in London on Tuesday over the suspected plot near RAF Fairford. The US had pulled its B-1 bombers from the base on Sunday.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the man was arrested in Westminster on Tuesday, 6 October, on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, and officers searched a property in the area. The six earlier suspects remain on bail: five men in their 20s detained near the base on 27 September and a 25-year-old British-Iranian dual national arrested on 1 October. Police found a barrel of petrol but no explosives in the men's vans, and their intentions remain publicly unexplained. Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism policing, called it a live investigation with multiple lines of inquiry.
Washington and London read the risk differently
US officials say fears of an Iranian drone attack led to the withdrawal of all 12 B-1 bombers, and Donald Trump cited "some threats". Downing Street said on Monday the base was safe, and UK sources doubt Iran could carry out such an operation, although Prime Minister Andy Burnham sees "strong indications" of an Iranian role.
Other opinions
FAZ's commentary calls the withdrawal a small tactical win for Tehran and a sign of US weakness, while its news report says Marco Rubio described it as routine.