'Strong indication' of Iran's involvement in suspected plot near RAF base: UK premier

There is a "strong indication" that Iran played a role in Sunday’s suspected terror plot near Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford base in South West England, the prime minister confirmed Wednesday.

"There is indeed a strong indication that Iran played a part," Andy Burnham confirmed in an interview with Sky News.

However, he added: "This remains, though, a complex and very serious police investigation. So I can't say any more at this stage."

Five men from London, aged between 23 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism.

The incident came after a farmer discovered three vans blocking a road near the RAF base in Gloucestershire at 1.30 am local time (0030GMT).

Later, it was understood that one of the suspects had contacted authorities around an hour before, a development first reported by The Times newspaper.

Saying that response to the incident has "consumed quite a considerable amount of my time" in the last few days, the prime minister said he "wouldn't hesitate" to recall parliament if needed.

"Well, at this stage, there is not an urgent need to do that, but should that arise, of course, I wouldn't hesitate."

"I didn't hesitate to call the COBRA meeting this week. I wouldn't hesitate to recall parliament should that be necessary," he added, referring to a UK emergency response committee convened to coordinate government actions during a national or regional crisis.

In a statement Monday following reports that Iran links were suspected, the Iranian Embassy said in a statement. "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in London categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations published by some British individuals and media outlets attempting to link Iran to arrest of five suspects in the vicinity of RAF Fairford base."