Three Iran-backed suspects accused of plotting attacks, including RAF Fairford incident

Three men accused of working with Iran-backed groups have been charged in the United States over an alleged series of terrorist plots targeting locations in Europe and the US, including an incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that the suspects were involved in nearly 20 attempted attacks carried out in the name of a group known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI).

The allegations include a suspected plot involving three vans near the British airbase in September, which led to a major police response and the withdrawal of US bombers from RAF Fairford.

Iran has strongly denied any involvement in the incident.

Three men charged in US indictment

The three defendants named by the US Department of Justice are Iranian national Mohsen Mohajeri, Iraqi national Mohammad Ali al-Hassani and dual Iranian-Iraqi citizen Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi.

An eight-count indictment, unsealed on Tuesday, accuses the men of planning attacks across Europe under the name HAYI.

According to the DOJ, the group claimed responsibility for 18 attacks during spring 2026, seven of which allegedly took place in the UK.

The department said the incidents involved arson, explosives and, in one case, the near-fatal stabbing of two Jewish men in north London in April. One of the victims was a dual US-British citizen.

A suspect in the Golders Green stabbing is due to stand trial next year.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the indictment demonstrated what he described as Iran's determination to carry out attacks in Europe and the United States.

He alleged that the three men were involved in almost 20 attempted attacks in support of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah.

Alleged plot near RAF Fairford

The US Department of Justice says the suspects were involved in preparations for an alleged terrorist plot targeting RAF Fairford, a Gloucestershire airbase used by the United States Air Force.

The incident came to light in the early hours of 27 September, when a local farmer spotted three suspicious vans near the base and contacted police.

A major incident was declared, and armed officers were deployed.

No explosive materials were found in the vehicles, although police seized a quantity of petrol.

According to the US indictment, Mohammad Ali al-Hassani allegedly directed and paid associates in the UK to carry out surveillance and arrange equipment ahead of the incident.

The DOJ alleges that preparations included obtaining vans and fuel barrels, researching chemical accelerants and purchasing metallic objects that could potentially be used as explosive shrapnel.

The vehicles were allegedly made to resemble commercial vans used by a fuel delivery company and a swimming pool supply business.

Prosecutors claim that on 26 September, individuals were instructed to drive the three vans towards RAF Fairford. At least two were stopped by a security roadblock before reaching their intended destination.

The allegations have not been tested in court.

Iran denies involvement

Iran's embassy in London has categorically rejected claims linking the country to the RAF Fairford incident.

It described the allegations as "unfounded and malicious speculations".

Seven men have been arrested in the UK in connection with the September incident. Two British nationals appeared in court last month in relation to the alleged Iran-linked plot.

The US Department of Justice also alleges that one of the three defendants, who is being held in a New York prison while awaiting trial on separate charges, continued communicating with contacts in the UK.

The other two are accused of communicating with associates from Iran.

US withdraws bombers from RAF Fairford

Following the September incident, the United States withdrew all its bombers from RAF Fairford.

President Donald Trump previously referred to "some threats" to the base when explaining the decision.

RAF Fairford has hosted US Air Force operations for decades and has been used in recent months as a base for B-1 and B-52 bombers flying missions to the Middle East.

In July, Iran warned that any military base used for attacks against Iranian territory would be considered a legitimate target.

What happens next?

The US indictment marks a significant development in the investigation into alleged Iran-backed activity across Europe and the United States.

However, the charges remain allegations, and the three defendants are entitled to a fair trial. The full extent of any links between the accused, the alleged attacks and the incident near RAF Fairford will need to be established through the legal process.

The UK investigation into the September incident also continues, with the alleged involvement of individuals in the country remaining a key part of the case.

Real Terryo Daily Round Up

Reporting the stories that matter, with context and perspective.